ABSTRACT Homeless youth have negative and discriminatory interactions with social service providers, which may deter them from utilizing important services that help them exit homelessness and prevent the development of substance use disorders. In addition, discriminatory experiences, homeless youth are also challenged by substance misuse, which can lead to developing substance use disorders. This study aims to address a critical research gap by investigating actionable interpersonal strategies that service providers can use to create positive interactions with homeless youth. Furthermore, this study investigates the extent to which key psychological resources (ethnic identity and sexual orientation identity) protect youth from the negative effects of discriminatory experiences and help prevent the development of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Understanding how key protective factors (ethnic identity and sexual orientation identity) interact with youths’ experiences of substance misuse and discrimination, and resolving negative and discriminatory interactions with service providers, as proposed in the current study, has great potential to prevent substance use disorders and help youth exit homelessness. This study will provide essential information about the ways in which internal protective factors prevent substance misuse and substance disorder, and interpersonal strategies that service providers can use to promote positive interaction with homeless youth.