Educational Video Game Instructional Unit – IU3

Introduction

Instructional Goal

Instructional Strategy

Media Selection & Delivery System

First Draft Materials:

Submission Instructions

Introduction

This instructional unit (IU3) aims to present the first draft of the lesson materials developed based on the instructional goals identified in IU1 and IU2. The purpose of this report is to outline the instructional strategy, media selection, and delivery systems, and showcase the initial drafts of lesson content, assessments, and activities. This IU focuses on ensuring that the instructional materials effectively guide learners toward achieving the desired advocacy skills related to social change.

Instructional Goal

Advocacy Skills: Learners will be able to advocate for social change and support marginalized individuals.

Specific Goals:

Students will be able to . . .

  1. list relevant social service entities and community associations in their communities and recall their purposes.
  2. interpret data and criticize infrastructure offerings in their communities.
  3. select research support and develop and formulate arguments to appeal to a broad community audience.

Instructional Strategy

Preinstructional Activities:
To engage learners, the game begins with an introductory cutscene that presents the protagonist, David, who is struggling with houselessness and mental health issues. This narrative immediately captures the player’s attention and empathy, motivating them to play and learn. The game’s objectives are subtly introduced through conversations with NPCs (non-player characters), where players will be reminded of David’s need for shelter, mental health services, and social support.

Content Presentation:
The game content will be presented through interactive dialogues, choices, and scenarios. Players will engage in decision-making processes, such as choosing which resources to direct David to (e.g., shelters, street heroes, community services). Each decision will provide feedback, showing how their choices affect David’s well-being, housing stability, and community health.

Learner Participation:
Players actively participate by guiding David through various challenges. For example, they must decide between organizing formal meetings or attending informal gatherings. Each choice is accompanied by a mini-game or dialogue tree that reinforces the learning objective, such as understanding the role of social services or interpreting community data. Feedback will be immediate, showing the consequences of their decisions in the game world.

Assessment:
Assessment will be integrated into gameplay through a points system, where players earn advocacy points based on how well they navigate David’s challenges. Pre-game surveys will assess players’ knowledge of social services, while in-game quizzes (embedded as conversations or tasks) will reinforce knowledge of community infrastructure. Post-game reflection activities will ask players to analyze their decisions and how they could apply similar strategies in real-world advocacy.

Follow-through Activities:
To transfer learning to real-life contexts, players will be prompted to complete a post-game task: designing an advocacy plan for a fictional character or a real community issue. This will include researching local social services and developing a persuasive argument for improving resources, mirroring the decisions made in the game.

Media Selection & Delivery System

Media Types:

  • Cutscenes and Animated Sequences: The game will use engaging cutscenes and animated sequences to introduce key moments, such as David’s backstory or major turning points in the narrative. These cutscenes will use visual storytelling to enhance player immersion and emotional engagement.
  • Dialogue Trees: Interactive dialogues will be the primary medium for player interaction, allowing them to choose responses that shape the narrative and learning outcomes.
  • Mini-Games: Players will engage in mini-games designed to reinforce decision-making and problem-solving skills, such as choosing between different social service options for David.
  • Points System: A scoring mechanism will track the player’s progress and advocacy skills based on their decisions throughout the game, providing real-time feedback.

Delivery System:
The game will be delivered as a downloadable desktop or web-based game, accessible via a learning management system (LMS) like Canvas. Players can play the game independently and submit reflections and advocacy plans through the LMS. The LMS will also provide additional resources, such as guides on local social services and real-life case studies.

First Draft Materials

Cutscene Storyboard: A prototype for the opening cutscene is being created and should be available for viewing by January 1, introducing David and the key challenges he faces in the game. This will set the stage for player engagement and emotional connection.  The scenes appear after the next entry.

Dialogue Tree Prototype: A sample dialogue tree has been designed and is contained in the prototype whose narrative appears below, showing how players will interact with NPCs such as David or the shelter worker. These conversations offer narrative progression, background information, and learning moments, teaching players about advocacy and decision-making.

Scene 1

Maria pulls a white apron from the hook with her name on it in the kitchen, pulls it over her head, and ties it behind her back as she walks out from behind the counter. She grabs an order pad and pen from a bin under the counter and puts them in the apron pocket. She notices that she left some cash in the pocket from tips from her shift the night before. She smiles a little and says, “Nice! I forgot about that” to herself. Then she takes a clean towel from another bin and tucks it into the other apron pocket. She looks around the busy diner, takes a deep breath, and forces a smile on her face as she walks around the counter and heads over to Table 9.

“Are you ready to order?” she asks the man and woman sitting opposite each other in the window booth. Outside she sees a man in a tattered coat seated on the sidewalk leaning against the wall with a backpack next to him. On the other side a dog is curled up beside him with her head resting on his leg.

“I’ll have this,” the man says, opening the menu and pointing to a picture of an omelet.

“The three-cheese omelet?” Maria confirms looking back to the table and the man nods. “Would you like sausage or bacon with that?”

“I’ll take bacon,” the man says. Maria looks at the woman.

“I’ll take two eggs over easy with hash browns, bacon, and toast,” the woman says.

Maria jots their orders down on her notepad.

“Anything to drink?” she asks, watching a commotion through the window outside. Three teenagers approach the man on the sidewalk and start talking to him. Initially the conversation sounds friendly, but things quickly turn violent.

“Hey man,” one of the bullies says as he approaches. “You thirsty? I got a bottle of water here.”

The man looks up expectantly as the boy twists the top off of the water bottle he’s holding. He holds the bottle out to the man on the ground, but as he reaches to take it, the bully pours the water over his head. The dog jumps back and begins barking. The two other boys come up behind their friend with additional water bottles that they begin pouring over the man’s head. The man tries to cover his head with his arms, and the bullies begin kicking him in the ribs.

PLAYER CHOICE: #1 MARIA IGNORES THE BULLYING OR #2 MARIA HELPS DAVID

#1 [David’s Health goes to -100]

Maria looks back from the window to the customers in the booth.

“I’ll have a cup of coffee,” the man says.

“I’ll have orange juice,” the woman answers.

Maria heads back to the kitchen and places the orders on the board. Behind her the bullies outside continue kicking and hitting the houseless man as his dog barks frantically.

A few minutes later Maria returns to Table 9 with coffee and orange juice. Looking out the window she notices that the bullies have disappeared, and the houseless man is crumpled lifeless on the ground. An ambulance arrives on the scene, but the man is already dead. His dog sits loyally beside him.

#2 [David’s Health goes up 5 points]

Maria turns to the man in the booth. “Can you help me with that?” she asks, pointing out the window. The man looks out the window at the disturbance.

“Yes, I’ll help,” he says, getting up from the booth.

Maria and the man rush out the diner door shouting at the boys. “Hey! Stop it!” The boys look over surprised and then run away.

“Are you okay?” Maria asks, pulling the towel from her pocket and handing it to the man on the ground. He accepts the towel and starts rubbing it over his head, his face, and the back of his neck. The big man beside her offers his hand to the man on the ground and helps him up.

“I’m okay,” he groans, handing the towel back to Maria.

Maria looks at him with concern. “I’m fine,” he says, waving her off.

“They were kicking you pretty hard,” she says.

“That’s nothing new,” the man shrugs.

Maria looks at him quietly for a minute and then extends her hand. “I’m Maria,” she says. “I’m really sorry that happened to you.”

He looks at her hand and then back to her face, contemplating whether or not to continue the conversation. He finally shakes her hand. “I’m David.”

“Nice to meet you David. Do you live around here?” she asks.

“I live out here,” he says, gesturing to the sidewalk and shivering. As he motions to the environment, the other man returns to the restaurant where his wife is waiting.

Maria looks around at the concrete sidewalk, asphalt parking lot, cinder block walls, and metal dumpsters. Everything in sight looks cold and hard. David also looks around, becoming visibly upset. He starts pacing up and down the sidewalk frantically looking around.

“What’s wrong?” Maria asks.

“My backpack is gone,” he says.

Maria begins looking around. David and Maria walk down the sidewalk and into an alley where they find a man holding David’s backpack.

“Hey! That’s mine!” David shouts running at the man. Maria follows behind him. The man puts the backpack on over both his shoulders and backs into a corner up against a dumpster. David pulls at the straps of the backpack, and the man shoves him away.

“I need my backpack. It has my ID in it,” David says.

“Finders keepers,” the man replies.

“That doesn’t belong to you,” Maria says.

“What are you going to do about it?” the man asks threateningly.

“It’s mine!” David screams, moving toward the man again with his fists raised.

Maria puts her arm out to block David from advancing toward the man.

“I’ll trade you for it,” Maria reaches into her pocket and pulls out the clean towel. She holds it out to the man who grabs it quickly.

“What else do you have?” the man asks.

“I have a pad of paper and a pen,” Maria answers.

“Okay,” the man says, reaching out his hand and taking the order pad and pen from her.

“You have to give us the backpack now,” she says.

“It’s mine. It’s mine. It’s mine.” David screams repeatedly while pulling on his hair.

“A backpack is worth more than a towel and a pad of paper,” the man says, ignoring David’s screaming.

“You can have my whole apron and the money in the pocket, but you have to put down the backpack first,” Maria says, untying her apron. The man watches her, considering the offer.

“Put the backpack down and you can have my apron and money,” she says, holding the apron out towards him with the money visible in the pocket.

The man eyes the apron and money, removes the backpack, and sets it on the ground. The backpack is unzipped and we can see some items inside – a pair of socks, a wallet, and a granola bar. David quickly grabs the bag and begins rummaging through it continuing to mutter “It’s mine” while Maria hands her apron to the man. The man dashes down the alley with his prizes while David continues to go through his backpack as his chants change from “It’s mine” to “Where is it? Where IS it?”

“What are you missing?” Maria asks.

“My patent papers,” David answers.

“What?” Maria asks.

“My patent papers for my invention are gone,” he says, his eyes wild.

“Okay. Let’s backtrack and see if we can find them,” Maria suggests.

David zips his backpack and puts it on, and he and Maria leave the alley and head back down the sidewalk toward the diner. Random pieces of trash are strewn about on the sidewalk and David begins picking up items and stuffing them into his backpack. “This is mine. This is mine. This is mine,” he says, retrieving crumpled papers, obvious trash, and a baseball cap. He reaches down and pulls a tattered t-shirt from the curb.

Maria notices a sewer grate below the T-shirt. She peers down into it and sees a manila envelope. “What’s that?” she asks. David looks into the grate.

“That’s it!” he says enthusiastically. “That’s my envelope with my patent papers.” He begins pulling frantically on the grate but it won’t open. Maria joins him, but even together they aren’t strong enough to lift the grate.

“Oh no!” David wails, pulling his hair again and turning in circles. “Oh no! Oh no! We’ll never get it now.”

“We can do it,” Maria says encouragingly. “We just need some help.” David calms down and looks at the grate again.

“We need something to give us some leverage,” David says.

Maria looks around and sees a Chinese restaurant across the street. She goes inside and takes a pack of chopsticks from the counter. She pulls a piece of gum from her pocket and begins chewing it as she goes back out to where David is waiting for her at the grate. Maria takes the chewed gum from her mouth and divides it into two portions. She affixes a piece of gum to each chopstick and then uses the chopsticks to pinch the envelope and pull it through the grate. She hands the envelope to David and he puts it into his backpack and begins rummaging through it again.

“My pills are gone,” he exclaims, digging through his backpack even faster.

“What pills?” Maria asks.

“My prescription! I promised the doctor I would take them,” he says with desperation in his voice. ”I promised! I promised! I promised!” At that moment a dog begins barking.

David and Maria look down the sidewalk toward the diner where the sound is coming from. David’s dog, who has been sitting patiently waiting for his return, is barking at another dog on the sidewalk. David and Maria head toward the dogs.

“He has something in his mouth,” Maria says, pointing to the stray dog.

“It’s my pill bottle!” David says. He approaches the stray dog and it growls at him. “He’s a demon dog sent by the government to steal my medicine,” David shrieks.

“We need to distract it with something,” Maria says. She goes inside the diner and comes out with a raw steak. She waves the steak in the dog’s face. The dog sniffs at the steak and drops the pill bottle. Maria throws the steak down the street as far as she can. As the dog runs after the steak David picks up the pill bottle and puts it into his backpack.

Maria eyes David’s backpack. “Do you have a blanket in there?” she asks.

“I did,” he says calmly. “Got stolen off me while I was sleeping last week.”

“Why don’t you come inside where it’s warmer,” she says walking back toward the diner. David follows her. They walk inside together, leaving the dog outside. “Will she wait for you?” Maria asks.

“Yes,” David says. “She always waits for me.”

Maria gestures to an empty seat at the counter and David sits down while Maria walks back into the kitchen and puts on another apron. One of the cooks has pancakes frying on a griddle. “Can I get one of those?” she asks. He slides a spatula under a pancake, flips it onto a plate, and hands it to Maria. She takes the plate out to David who hungrily begins eating the plain pancake. Maria grabs a pitcher of syrup from the counter and sets it in front of David. He pours syrup over his remaining pancake and resumes eating, shoveling large portions of the pancake into his mouth. Maria fills a cup with coffee and sets it in front of him. After draining the mug David looks at Maria.

“Thank you,” he says standing up.

“If you wait until my shift is over, I’ll get you some stuff from the store across the street,” Maria says. “You can just sit here.”

David turns and looks out the window at the dog sitting on the sidewalk. “I’ll wait outside with Rose,” he says and he leaves the diner. Maria watches him sit down on the sidewalk again as she returns to work.

When her shift is finally over Maria removes her apron, clocks out, and heads out the front door to find David. He’s still sitting on the sidewalk. “Let’s go across the street,” she says nodding toward the convenience store. David stands up, lifts his backpack onto his back, and begins walking with Maria. Rose follows close behind.

“He won’t let me inside without money,” he says as they reach the door of the store.

“You’re with me. You have money,” Maria says. “Come on.” Maria shoves him through the door and follows the stumbling David into the store. The store manager turns at the commotion and then becomes angry upon seeing David.

“You can’t come in here without money!” the store manager says loudly. People in the store look towards David and Maria.

“He’s with me,” Maria says. “He has money.”

The store manager grumbles under his breath and watches as Maria takes David by the arm and leads him down an aisle. She selects a bag of beef jerky, a bag of potato chips, and a large bottle of Gatorade. They walk to the register and Maria hands over a debit card to pay for the items. David taps Maria gently on the arm and she looks at him.

“Could you grab me some smokes too?” he asks.

PLAYER CHOICE: #1 CIGARETTES OR #2 NICORETTE GUM

Maria asks the store clerk for (a pack of cigarettes [David’s Health goes down 5 points] or a pack of Nicorette gum [David’s Health goes up 5 points]) and pays for the items. She hands the bag to David and they leave the store. Rose rejoins them as they walk back to the diner.

“Do you want me to take you to a shelter?” Maria asks.

David shakes his head. “They won’t let me into a shelter with Rose,” he says.

Maria looks thoughtfully at the dog.

“I could keep her for a few nights so you can sleep in a warm place,” she says.

David shakes his head. “No, I don’t want to get rid of her.”

“I’m not going to keep her forever,” Maria laughs. “Just for a little bit so you can get back on your feet.”

“I don’t know,” David says thoughtfully.

“I could bring her to work with me during the day so you can hang out with her,” she offers.

David’s eyes brighten. “You’d really do that?”

“Of course,” Maria says.

“Okay,” David agrees.

Maria pulls her cell phone from her pocket and searches for homeless shelters.

“Here’s one that’s just a few blocks away,” she says. “Good Shepherd Men’s Shelter,” she reads.

David shakes his head. “No, they make you go to church before they feed you.”

“Okay. How about this one? Hope House? It’s not too far and it doesn’t look like it’s run by a church,” she suggests.

David nods. “I stayed there once. It’s not too bad,” he says.

Maria opens the back door of her car and tells Rose to get in. Rose looks at David. David gestures for her to get into the car. “Go on girl. Get in,” he says. Rose hops into the back seat. David and Maria get into the car and fasten their seatbelts. Maria puts the address of Hope House into her navigation system and drives to the shelter. They leave Rose in the car and go inside to get David checked in.

Scene 2 – A Desperate Arrival

Maria and David leave Rose in the car and walk across the parking lot toward the entrance to the shelter. A man pushing a shopping cart blocks their way in the parking lot. David and Maria try to navigate around him, but he continues to block their way no matter which way they go.

“Excuse me,” Maria says to the man. “We’re trying to get to the shelter.”

“Excuse me. Excuse me,” the man says in a mocking voice.

PLAYER CHOICE #1 ASK POLITELY OR #2 ARGUE/FIGHT

#1 [Community Health/Trust goes up 5 points]

“Can you let us pass, please?” Maria tries again.

“What’ll you give me?” the man asks.

Maria pulls a five-dollar bill from her pocket and offers it to the man. He grabs it from her and pushes his cart out of the way to let them pass.

#2 [Community Health/Trust goes down 5 points]

“That’s rude,” Maria says.

“That’s rude,” the man repeats in a whiney voice.

Maria and David move forward and David shoves the shopping cart out of the way. The man takes a swing at David and hits him in the shoulder.

“What did you do that for?” Maria shouts at the man.

“He messed with my stuff,” the man shouts back.

“He just moved your cart because you were blocking our way,” Maria says.

“You can’t touch other people’s stuff,” the man yells.

“You shouldn’t block people in the parking lot,” Maria yells back.

A security guard comes over to investigate.

“What’s going on here?”

“He won’t let us walk through the parking lot,” Maria explains.

“They tried to steal my cart,” the man yells.

“No, we didn’t!” Maria says, defensively. “We just moved it out of the way.”

“You all need to leave,” the security guard says.

“We just got here and I’m trying to get him into the shelter for the night. We’re not trying to cause trouble,” Maria says calmly. “We just need to get through the parking lot and up to the entrance.”

The security guard looks at all three of them.

“Can you just stay here with him while I take David to the shelter?” she pleads with the security guard.

“Okay,” the guard says and he places a hand on the shopping cart. David and Maria walk quickly to the door of the shelter while the man with the shopping cart shouts at the security guard.

Maria opens the door to the shelter and she and David walk inside. They are greeted by a man at a desk.

“Hi, I’m Danny,” he says.

“Hi Danny. I’m Maria and this is David,” she says gesturing toward David. “He needs a place to sleep tonight.”

“We’re full for tonight,” Danny says. “You can come back tomorrow morning and wait in line to see if we have an opening.”

PLAYER CHOICE #1 BEG/ARGUE FOR A SPOT OR #2 TAKE DAVID SHOPPING TO BUY A BLANKET FOR THE NIGHT

#1 [Housing Health/Political Support goes down five points]

“Is there any way you can fit him in tonight?” Maria asks.

“Every cot is already full. You have to get here and get in line at 5 am to get a spot for the night.”

“He can’t sleep on the street tonight,” Maria explains. “A bunch of teenagers beat him up earlier today, and I’m afraid he won’t be safe on the street.”

“Nobody is safe on the street,” Danny says.

“Yes, but it’s particularly dangerous for David tonight,” Maria says. “Can’t you squeeze him in somewhere?”

“We’re full,” Danny reiterates.

“C’mon,” Maria pleads.

“There’s nothing I can do,” Danny says.

“What kind of shelter turns away people who are going to be violently attacked overnight?” Maria asks belligerently. “Isn’t the whole point for you to keep people safe? There’s got to be something you can do. Isn’t there somewhere you can put him? He’ll even sleep in a closet or on the floor. He just needs someplace to sleep without worrying about getting beaten up.”

“Okay. I’ll put him in the storage closet. But just for tonight. Tomorrow morning he has to stand in line like everyone else.”

Danny pulls out a packet of papers and a pen and hands them to David to fill out.

“Meet me here at five tomorrow morning,” Maria says, waving goodbye and heading back out to the car.

When Maria gets home she fixes herself a bowl of ramen noodles and sits down on the couch to research resources for homeless people,

#2 [Housing Health/Political Support goes up five points]

“What time does he need to be here in the morning?” Maria asks.

“Five o’clock,” Danny says.

David hangs his head.

“Five in the morning? It’s still dark then. People have to stand in line in the dark every morning to get a bed that night?” Maria asks.

“Sometimes we can approve you for three nights so then you don’t have to wait in line for those nights. But they have to be preapproved.”

“Okay. Is there any way to be sure he gets a spot?”

“Not really. It’s first come, first served,” Danny says.

“We need more shelters in this town,” Maria says.

“Yes, we do,” Danny agrees. “There’s a city councilman who is working on that. His name is Tim. You should talk to him.”

“I will!” Maria says enthusiastically.

“For tonight you could take him to the corporate building down the street. They didn’t pay their taxes and got evicted so a lot of our clients stay there when the shelter is full. But don’t say you heard it from me.”

Maria and David head back out to the car.

“Okay. Then let’s get you a blanket so you don’t freeze to death out here tonight,” she says.

“That’s okay,” David replies. “I’ll be fine. Rose and I keep each other warm.”

“I’m going to get you a blanket,” she says insistently.

“Okay,” David reluctantly agrees.

Maria opens the back door of her car and tells Rose to get in. Rose looks at David. David gestures for her to get into the car. “Go on girl. Get in,” he says. Rose hops into the back seat. David and Maria get into the car and fasten their seatbelts. Maria drives to the nearest department store chatting with David along the way.

“How did you end up living on the street?” she asks.

“I lost my job.”

“What kind of work did you do?” Maria asks.

“I was a mechanic,” David answers.

“That seems like a good skill to have,” Maria says.

“It’s hard to find a job these days,” David says. “No one wants to hire someone who lives on the streets and doesn’t even have an address to put on the job application.”

“Hmmm,” says Maria. “There must be some way to solve that problem. Maybe a post office box?”

“If I could afford a PO Box I would spend the money on food and some new clothes,” David points out.

“Yeah. I guess food and clothes are more important than an address,” Maria agrees. She pulls into a parking lot and they get out of the car and go into the store.

Maria selects a soft, bulky blanket from a shelf full of blankets. “This one seems warm,” she says.

“Yes, but it’s too thick. It won’t fit in my backpack,” David explains.

“How about this one?” Maria asks, choosing a thinner blanket. David reaches out to feel the blanket.

“That’s better,” he says.

They head to the cash register where Maria pays for the blanket and then they go back out to the car where Rose greets them happily. Maria drives David back to the corporate offices and drops him off. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Meet me at the shelter at five. First one there gets in line.”

When Maria gets home she fixes herself a bowl of ramen noodles and sits down on the couch to research resources for homeless people.

Scene 3 – Interaction with Shelter Staff “Gaining Insight”

Maria heads to the meet up with David and Rose.

“Did you wait in line for the shelter this morning?” Maria asks.

“Yes,” David says dejectedly. “They gave me a packet of papers to fill out. I filled them out and now I’m waiting to see if they let me in.”

“Let’s go over there and talk to them,” Maria says. David and Maria get in the line leading to the shelter door. As the person in front of David takes his turn talking to shelter staff, he becomes unruly and throws a bunch of cards with symbols on them into the air. The cards flutter to the ground and David begins picking them up.

“David, it’s your turn,” Maria says. David continues collecting cards from the ground. Maria grabs his elbow and he pulls away. “It’s your turn,” she says again.

“I can’t go in yet,” he says, becoming more frantic about picking up the cards. “I have to solve the puzzle.”

Maria helps him gather cards. [Player solves the puzzle: cards are symbols of 1st, u, triton, ampersand, the word then, u, a last will & testament, a straw, and a watermelon seed]

“First you try and then you will succeed,” David says. “I will try to go in now.”

Maria and David walk through the doorway and find Danny behind a counter.

“Hello again,” Danny says.

“Hi,” Maria says. “David said he filled out paperwork to be admitted to the shelter.”

“Yes, it can take up to two weeks to get processed and admitted,” Danny explains.

“That’s a long time to wait on the streets,” Maria says.

“There are some other options. Would you like a bureaucratic option or an alternative option?”

PLAYER CHOICE: BUREAUCRATIC OR ALTERNATIVE

OPTION #1: BUREAUCRATIC [Community Health/Trust goes up 5, Housing Health/Political Support goes up by 5]

“There are some options for housing for the severely mentally ill, but he will have to undergo some assessments to determine if he’s eligible,” Danny says. He gives Maria some brochures. “There is also Esmeralda. She works for Housing Second. It’s a non-profit that helps working class families get into their first homes, but he would have to have a job to be eligible for that program.” He reaches into a drawer and hands Maria a business card.

“Thanks,” Maria says, taking the brochures and business card. “Can he wait here while I try to figure out some options for him?”

“Yes,” Danny says. “He can wait over there in the shade.”

Maria walks over to a shady spot with David. “Wait here and I’ll be back this afternoon.”

Maria goes back to her car and looks at the brochures. She selects one and puts the address into her GPS.

Maria arrives at her destination, gets out of the car, and heads into the building. A receptionist greets her when she enters.

“Hello. How can I help you?”

“My name is Maria. I have a friend who is living on the streets and I suspect that he’s mentally ill. I’m trying to find some resources for him to help him get into permanent housing.”

“There’s a waiting list for our intake process, and your friend will need to come in and fill out the application,” the receptionist says.

“What types of services do you offer?” Maria asks.

“We provide assessment and diagnosis, and based on that we have other services like prescription medication, psychiatric care, therapy, and inpatient or outpatient care depending on the client’s needs.”

“If he qualifies for inpatient care will he stay here?” Maria asks.

“We have a few options depending on the severity of the case. He could stay here or in one of our outpatient assisted care homes if he qualifies,” she says.

“Does he need an appointment to apply or can he just walk in and get an application?”

“We take walk-ins.”

Maria thanks her and heads back out to her car.

#2 ALTERNATIVE [Community Health/Trust goes up 5, Housing Health/Political Support goes up by 1]

“There are some college students who are trying to get the old corporate building turned over to the city so that it can be adapted into protected housing for people on the streets,” Danny says. “You could try working with them.”

“How do I find the students?” Maria asks.

“I don’t have any contact info for them. You’ll have to go over to the building and ask around.”

“Can he wait here while I try to figure out some options for him?”                         

“Yes,” Danny says. “He can wait over there in the shade.”

Maria walks over to a shady spot with David. “Wait here and I’ll be back this afternoon.”

Maria heads to her car.

Mini-Game Mockup: A mockup of a mini-game has been developed in which players navigate a library database to gather information on local social services. This mini-game emphasizes the importance of understanding community resources and working within bureaucratic systems. Dialogue with the librarian and in-game prompts guide the player through research findings and their implications. 

The first three articles the librarian guides Maria to:

County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative

Mental Health America, Los Angeles

HomeForGood, Los Angeles

Report Analysis:  Los Angeles has been working on helping people who are houseless, especially those with mental health issues, through different programs. One of the key programs is the street therapist initiative, which is part of a larger effort to provide mental health care directly on the streets. This program connects people living on the streets with mental health support, medical care, and housing services. The goal is to help these individuals get the care they need without having to go to a traditional clinic, which can be difficult for them. The city has also created a plan to make sure that all the different teams working with houseless people are coordinated. This plan includes teams that focus on mental health, outreach, and even law enforcement working together to help people in a way that respects their dignity and needs.

Notes/Comments:

  1. Direct Engagement: Implement a strategy where street therapists actively seek out and build trust with individuals living on the streets, focusing on those who might not seek help on their own.
  2. Collaborative Teams: Work closely with other services, including health, housing, and outreach teams, to ensure that all aspects of a client’s needs are addressed.
  3. Holistic Care: Ensure that care includes mental health support, physical health services, and help with finding housing, similar to Los Angeles’ integrated approach.
  4. Data-Driven Approach: Keep track of the success of the program through regular data collection to see what’s working and where improvements are needed.
  5. Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Prioritize those who are most at risk, such as individuals with severe mental health issues or those involved in the criminal justice system.
  6. Avoid Criminalization: Advocate for policies that focus on providing help rather than punishment, ensuring that people aren’t simply moved around without getting the support they need.

These strategies align with Los Angeles’ efforts to address houselessness and mental health issues through comprehensive, street-level engagement and care.

Ten Key Principles for Successful Health Systems Integration

Report Analysis: The report lists ten important ideas for improving how health and social care services work together. These ideas focus on making sure that people can easily access the care they need, from health check-ups to more serious treatments. The report also highlights the importance of putting the patient first, making sure care is centered around their needs and that they are involved in decisions about their health. It suggests having teams of different healthcare professionals working together to provide the best care possible, no matter where the patient is treated. Good communication and using modern technology to share information are also key points, as they help doctors and other caregivers work together more effectively. The report stresses the need for strong leadership and a supportive environment to make these changes successful. It also points out that doctors should play a big role in connecting patients to the care system and that there should be a fair and well-organized way to fund these services.

Notes/Comments: For a street therapist, these ideas are very useful because they provide a guide for making sure people get the care they need, even if they have trouble accessing traditional healthcare services. The focus on teamwork, patient-centered care, and using technology to keep track of patient information is especially important for helping those who might not get the care they need in other ways.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders

Report Analysis: The document talks about how to help people who have both mental health issues and substance use problems. It says that therapists should provide care that is continuous, culturally aware, and includes the support of the person’s family or community. Screening and assessments should be done regularly, and treatments should be tailored to the person’s needs. The report also highlights the importance of therapists being well-trained and supported so they can help people effectively and prevent burnout.

Notes/Comments: This information makes a strong argument for the street therapist program. It highlights the necessity of providing continuous, culturally responsive care that addresses both mental health and substance use issues. The emphasis on routine screening, tailored treatments, and involving the community aligns perfectly with the goals of a street therapist. By focusing on vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and those in the criminal justice system, the program could address significant gaps in care. The need for well-trained therapists and trauma-informed approaches further supports the program’s importance and effectiveness.

Improving Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Report Analysis: The Alameda County Juvenile Collaborative Court (ACJC) program aimed to help young people with mental health issues who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The goals included creating a special court for these cases, linking families with mental health services and community resources, and reducing the time kids spend in detention. The program also focused on helping these youths stay out of trouble, do well in school, and prepare for adulthood. Another key part of the program was collecting data to see if these goals were being met and to improve the program.

Notes/Comments:

  1. Specialized Support: Develop a specialized approach for street therapy focused on mental health and substance use, similar to ACJC’s specialized court.
  2. Community Resources: Link clients with mental health services, education, job opportunities, and other community supports.
  3. Reduce Homelessness Impact: Help clients stay safely in their homes or find stable housing, reducing their time on the streets.
  4. Engagement: Focus on improving clients’ connection to community services and stabilizing their mental health, much like ACJC’s aim to keep youths engaged.
  5. Legal Compliance: Assist clients in complying with laws and reducing encounters with the criminal justice system.
  6. Education and Employment: Support clients in attending school or getting jobs to help them build a better future.
  7. Quick Intervention: Divert individuals from the justice system by providing immediate support, reducing the risk of reoffending.
  8. Data Collection: Track client progress to ensure the program is meeting its goals and to find ways to improve services.

Research Articles and Papers on Telemental Health

Report Analysis: Telemental health refers to providing mental health services remotely using technology like video calls, phone calls, or even text messages. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research was conducted to understand how effective telemental health was for treating mood disorders, which are conditions that severely affect a person’s mood, like depression or bipolar disorder.

Main Findings:

  1. Access to Care: Telemental health significantly improved access to mental health services. People who might have struggled to attend in-person sessions, perhaps due to distance, time, or physical health, found it easier to connect with their therapists online.
  2. Follow-Up Rates: The rate at which patients continued with their treatment was better in telemental health compared to in-person visits. This means that more people stayed consistent with their therapy sessions when they could do it from home.
  3. Mood Outcomes: When comparing telemental health with the usual care (which might include less frequent or no therapy), those receiving telemental health showed better improvements in their mood. In other words, their symptoms of depression or other mood disorders got better more quickly or more effectively.

Notes/Comments: A street therapist program is an initiative where mental health professionals work outside traditional office settings, directly in the community. The success of telemental health, as seen in the studies, suggests that offering remote therapy services as part of a street therapist program could be highly beneficial. It would allow therapists to reach more people, especially those who might be uncomfortable or unable to visit a traditional office. Additionally, the ability to conduct follow-ups more reliably through remote means can help ensure that people receive continuous care, leading to better overall mental health outcomes. This approach could make mental health care more accessible and flexible, particularly for vulnerable populations who need support the most.

Conclusion: The findings from the research on telemental health highlight how technology can play a crucial role in improving mental health services. Incorporating telehealth into a street therapist program could increase access to care, improve the consistency of treatment, and lead to better mood outcomes for individuals in need.

Los Angeles County: Youth Justice Reimagined

Report Analysis:

Introduction: Los Angeles County aims to transform its youth justice system by focusing on racial equity and youth development, ensuring all youth have equal opportunities to thrive.

Key Points:

Racial Equity and Social Justice: The system will use data to address the root causes of youth involvement in the justice system, prioritizing support for Black and Brown communities.

New Vision for Youth Justice: The focus shifts from punishment to support, emphasizing repairing harm and offering second chances through community-based programs.

Youth Development Competencies: The system will promote health, social, environmental, cognitive, vocational, and leadership skills, ensuring comprehensive development for all youth.

Community Support: The County will support community-based providers to deliver these services, particularly in underserved areas.

Transparency and Accountability: The system will involve youth and communities in decision-making, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

Conclusion: This reimagined system focuses on healing and support, aiming to create a fairer environment where all youth can reach their full potential.

Notes/Comments:

Objective: To create a street therapist program that aligns with the principles of equity, healing, and comprehensive support, aimed at assisting all houseless individuals we need the following:

Key Strategies:

  1. Center Racial Equity: Address the specific needs of Black and Brown houseless individuals with culturally competent care.
  2. Strengths-Based Support: Focus on healing and accountability, offering support instead of punishment or neglect.
  3. Comprehensive Development: Provide services that cover health, social skills, education, job training, and leadership, tailored to the needs of houseless individuals.
  4. Community-Based Access: Offer services where houseless individuals reside, partnering with local organizations to ensure accessibility.
  5. Accountability: Maintain transparency and continuous improvement by seeking regular feedback from those served.

Conclusion: This program will provide essential support to houseless individuals, helping them navigate their challenges while contributing to safer and healthier communities.

Health Interventions for People Who Are Homeless

Report Analysis:

Introduction: Houselessness can make it difficult for people to stay healthy. Special programs that focus on the needs of houseless individuals can help them more than regular healthcare services. This report looks at different ways to improve the health of houseless people.

Key Points:

Tailored Healthcare Programs: Programs designed specifically for houseless people, like Housing First, which provides housing along with support, work better than regular healthcare.

Housing First Model: Giving people a place to live right away, with added support, helps those with serious mental health issues improve their lives.

Case Management: This approach helps people with substance abuse problems by connecting them with the right services and support.

Medical Respite Programs: These programs help houseless people who are leaving the hospital by giving them a safe place to recover.

Focus on Social Policies: To truly help houseless people, healthcare providers also need to work on changing the policies that cause houselessness in the first place.

Conclusion: Helping houseless people with their health requires special programs that address their unique needs. By providing housing, managing their care, and supporting them after hospital stays, we can improve their health and overall well-being.

Notes/Comments:

Point-by-Point Strategy for the Street Therapist Program

Objective: To develop a street therapist program that provides comprehensive mental health and support services to houseless individuals.

  1. Tailor Services to Houseless Needs:

Action: Design mental health services specifically for houseless individuals, focusing on their unique challenges. Outcome: More effective engagement and treatment.

2. Implement the Housing First Model:

Action: Provide immediate housing options for houseless individuals, paired with ongoing mental health and social support. Outcome: Improved stability and mental health outcomes.

3. Offer Case Management Services:

Action: Assign case managers to each individual to coordinate their care, focusing on mental health, substance abuse, and social services. Outcome: Reduced substance misuse and better overall health.

4. Establish Medical Respite Care:

Action: Create safe spaces for houseless individuals to recover after hospitalization, with access to ongoing care and support. Outcome: Better recovery outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.

5. Address Social Policies and Structural Factors:

Action: Advocate for changes in policies that contribute to houselessness, working with community leaders and policymakers. Outcome: Long-term reduction in houselessness.

6. Integrate Telehealth Services:

Action: Use telehealth to provide mental health services remotely, making care more accessible to those who cannot easily visit traditional clinics. Outcome: Increased access to consistent mental health care.

7. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:

Action: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the program through data collection and participant feedback. Outcome: Ongoing improvement of services to better meet the needs of houseless individuals.

The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress

Report Analysis: In 2023, over 653,000 people in the United States were experiencing houselessness, which means they didn’t have a stable place to live. This is the highest number recorded since tracking began in 2007. Sadly, the number of houseless people increased by 12% from 2022 to 2023, and this includes more families with children and individuals of all ages. Houselessness affects many different groups, but certain populations are more at risk. For example, people who are Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous are more likely to experience houselessness compared to their share of the general population. Additionally, houselessness among young people under 25 and older adults over 55 has also increased. Most houseless people live in cities, but many are also found in suburban and rural areas. Some people stay in shelters, but many others live in places not meant for people to live in, like streets or parks.

Notes/Comments:

  1. Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Given the high number of Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous people experiencing houselessness, street therapists should tailor their approaches to meet the unique cultural and social needs of these groups.
  2. Support for Families and Children: With the increase in families experiencing houselessness, street therapists need to provide family-centered care, ensuring that both parents and children receive the mental health support they need.
  3. Youth Engagement: The rise in houselessness among unaccompanied youth highlights the need for targeted outreach to young people, helping them access mental health services, housing, and educational opportunities.
  4. Elderly Care: The significant number of older adults experiencing houselessness, particularly those living in unsheltered conditions, requires street therapists to focus on the health and safety of this vulnerable group.
  5. Trauma-Informed Approach: Many individuals experiencing houselessness have faced trauma, so therapists should use approaches that recognize and address the deep psychological impacts of their experiences.
  6. Urban and Rural Strategies: Since houselessness occurs in both urban and rural areas, the street therapist program should be adaptable to different environments, ensuring that no one is left without access to care.
  7. Chronic Houselessness: With a large percentage of people experiencing long-term houselessness, street therapists should prioritize consistent, long-term support to help individuals transition out of houselessness for good.

These strategies will help address the growing and diverse needs of the houseless population in a compassionate and effective manner.

Housing Needs By State

Report Analysis: Across the nation, there is a big problem with affordable housing, especially for people with very low incomes. These households spend a lot of their money just to pay rent, often more than half of what they make. Because of this, they have to make tough choices, like skipping meals or not seeing a doctor, to keep a roof over their heads. The state of California, for instance, is short nearly a million affordable rental homes, making it hard for many people to find a place they can afford. This situation is particularly difficult in big cities, where the cost of living is higher.

Notes/Comments:

  1. Address Housing Insecurity: The shortage of affordable housing in California is a key factor driving houselessness. Street therapists should focus on connecting clients to housing resources while providing mental health support.
  2. Support for Severely Cost-Burdened Individuals: Since many people spend over half of their income on rent, they are at risk of houselessness. Street therapists should help these individuals manage stress and mental health challenges caused by financial strain.
  3. Collaboration with Housing Services: Partner with organizations that provide affordable housing to ensure that clients have access to safe, stable living conditions as part of their overall recovery plan.
  4. Focus on Health and Stability: Given that many people forgo healthcare to afford rent, street therapists should prioritize helping clients access both mental and physical health services.
  5. Target Urban Areas: Since the housing crisis is most severe in California’s cities, focus efforts on these areas where the need for mental health support is greatest.

These strategies are designed to help address the complex issue of houselessness and housing insecurity in the United States, especially California, providing support where it is most needed.

https://data.census.gov/

Report Analysis: Data.Census.Gov is a super helpful website for anyone who needs to find detailed information about people and the economy in the United States. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, someone who makes decisions for the government, or a business person, this site gives you the tools to look at and understand a lot of important data about the U.S. The website is easy to use, has features you can adjust to fit what you need, and offers tools to create charts and maps, making it simple to use even if you’re not an expert in working with data.

Notes/Comments:

Visualization for Advocacy Action: Use the platform’s visualization tools to create charts and maps that illustrate the extent of homelessness and related challenges.

Reason: Visual data can be a powerful tool in advocating for the program, helping to communicate the need for action to stakeholders.

Outcome: Stronger advocacy efforts, leading to increased support and funding for the program.

United Way 211

Report Analysis: United Way’s 211 website is an essential tool for anyone looking for help with social services. It’s easy to use and provides a lot of valuable information that can connect people to the resources they need in their community.

Notes/Comments: Use the 211 website to gather detailed information on local social services and community organizations, helping to design a comprehensive Street Therapist Program.

Key Points:

Comprehensive Resource: The 211 website covers a wide range of services, from emergency assistance to long-term support programs. It’s a one-stop shop for finding the help that people need.

Application: This makes it an ideal tool for identifying resources that the Street Therapist Program can connect with to provide well-rounded support to houseless individuals.

User-Friendly Interface: The website is designed to be easy to navigate, which means that both program staff and clients can use it without difficulty.

Application: Street therapists can easily look up services on the spot when they are with a client, making it easier to provide immediate referrals and support.

Detailed Service Information: Each service listed includes important details such as eligibility requirements, contact information, and the specific help they offer.

Application: This detailed information allows the Street Therapist Program to tailor its approach to each client’s needs, ensuring that they are connected to the right services.

Coverage and Accessibility: 211 is available across the country, making it a reliable resource no matter where the program operates.

Application: The program can use 211 to provide consistent support, even if a client moves to a different area, ensuring continuity of care.

Real-Time Updates: The website is regularly updated, which means the information is current and reliable.

Application: This ensures that therapists are always providing clients with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Implementation Steps:

Training: Ensure that all street therapists are trained to use the 211 website effectively.

Integration: Make 211 a central part of the program’s resource toolkit, used daily to connect clients with services.

Collaboration: Work with United Way to explore additional ways that 211 can support the program, such as integrating 211 referrals into client management systems.

Conclusion: United Way’s 211 website is an invaluable resource for the Street Therapist Program. By leveraging this tool, the program can more effectively connect houseless individuals with the services they need, ensuring comprehensive and timely support.

National Transit Map Routes

Report Analysis: The National Transit Map shows the routes of public transportation systems all across the United States. This map includes bus lines, subway routes, and other forms of public transit that help people get around in cities and towns. The map is important because it shows where public transportation is available and where it might be lacking. This can help city planners, governments, and communities figure out how to improve transportation options so that more people can get to work, school, or other important places easily.

Notes/Comments:

  1. Accessibility to Services: The National Transit Map highlights areas with strong public transit networks. Street therapists should focus on ensuring that clients in areas with good public transit can easily access mental health services.
  2. Identifying Gaps: The map also shows where public transit is lacking. In these areas, street therapists may need to find alternative ways to reach clients who don’t have easy access to transportation.
  3. Collaboration with Transit Authorities: Work with local transit authorities to provide information on mental health services and possibly even create partnerships that allow clients to get to appointments at reduced costs or for free.
  4. Mobile Services: In areas with poor transit coverage, consider developing mobile therapy units that can bring mental health services directly to those in need, ensuring that everyone has access regardless of their transportation options.
  5. Urban vs. Rural Focus: The map shows differences between urban and rural areas in terms of transit availability. Street therapists should adapt their strategies depending on whether they are working in a city with lots of public transit or a rural area with very little.

By understanding and using the information from the National Transit Map, street therapists can better plan how to reach and support their clients, ensuring that transportation barriers do not prevent people from getting the help they need.

Points System: A points system has been developed, where players earn points based on decisions that positively impact David’s mental health, housing situation, and community health. Players receive feedback on how well they navigate social services and advocacy scenarios.

Background: 6 Possible Ending Scenarios

  1. Smooth Integration: The program integrates into existing health services, leading to the deployment of a street hero. David receives regular support, moves into supportive housing, and thrives.
  2. Program Collapse Due to Bureaucracy: The program encounters bureaucratic delays and eventually collapses. Without support, David deteriorates and eventually dies.
  3. Thriving Program with Community Support: The program thrives with strong community support and well-managed resources. David engages in therapy, volunteers at the shelter, and secures stable housing.
  4. Program Collapse Due to Lack of Resources: Insufficient resources and community disengagement cause the program to collapse. David is left without support and dies.
  5. Stable Non-Profit Partnership: The partnership with the Non-Profit provides stability and expertise. David receives consistent therapy, secures supportive housing, and achieves a positive outcome.
  6. Deteriorating Non-Profit Partnership: Mismanagement and lack of local focus cause the partnership to deteriorate. The program collapses, and David dies without necessary support.

Key Systems and Mechanics:

Player Decision-Making System:

– Players make key decisions through dialogue choices, including how to allocate resources or respond to challenges.

– Example: Players decide how to distribute funding between health services and housing or how to manage partnerships with Non-Profits and community groups.

Impact Visualization:

– Players immediately see the short-term effects of their decisions on David’s health and housing status.

– Visual aids include:

  • A wellness meter for David.
  • A health meter for the community.
  • A housing stability indicator.
  • A bar graph indicator distributing funding.

Health Services System:

– Street Hero Deployment: Players can choose to deploy street heroes, and the game tracks how often David interacts with the hero. Positive interactions improve David’s mental health and stability.

– Service Availability: The availability of health services fluctuates based on player decisions and external factors like community support or bureaucratic obstacles. This is represented by the community health meter.

Supportive Housing System:

– Housing Availability: Players manage the availability of supportive housing by allocating funds and resources. Their actions are reflected in the housing health meter.

Resource Management System:

– Budgeting: A simple budgeting mechanic forces players to balance resource allocation between health services and housing. Limited resources require strategic decisions that mirror real-world challenges.

– Community Support: Players influence community engagement through outreach efforts or by managing partnerships with Non-Profits. Community support affects the success of both health services and housing availability.

Scenario-Based Outcomes:

– Ending Scenarios: Included are basic branching paths based on player performance. For example, well-managed health services and housing lead to positive outcomes (e.g., David moves into supportive housing). Poor management leads to negative outcomes (e.g., David deteriorates).

Simple Narrative Feedback:

– Progress Updates: Players receive narrative feedback reflecting David’s current state, such as short text updates or visual cues (e.g., David’s appearance or mood), indicating how their decisions impact his journey.

Post-Game Reflection Template: A reflection template has been created, prompting players to analyze their in-game decisions and draw parallels to real-world advocacy efforts. This template includes questions like “What services were most helpful for David?” and “How would you apply what you learned to advocate for someone in need?”

Game Reflection

1. What decisions did you make that had the most positive impact on David’s journey?

– Describe at least two decisions that led to improvements in David’s well-being. How did these decisions affect David’s access to shelter, mental health support, or other services?

2. What challenges did you face in securing help for David?

– Reflect on the obstacles you encountered, such as navigating the shelter system or advocating for a street hero. How did you overcome these challenges, or what would you have done differently?

3. Which in-game services were the most beneficial to David?

– List and explain the services that provided the most support to David, such as the shelter, mental health services, or community support. Why were these services crucial to his recovery and stability?

4. How did your interactions with non-playable characters (NPCs) influence the outcome of the game?

– Reflect on the key NPCs you interacted with (e.g., Danny the Shelter Worker, Susan the Librarian, Billy the Mental Health Professional). How did their advice or assistance shape the decisions you made for David?

Real-World Advocacy Connection

5. How does David’s experience reflect real-world challenges faced by individuals experiencing houselessness?

– Based on your gameplay, identify parallels between David’s struggles and the challenges faced by real people who are houseless. Consider factors such as mental health, access to social services, and the importance of community support.

6. What advocacy skills did you practice in the game that you could apply in real life?

– Reflect on the advocacy strategies you used in the game, such as organizing events, influencing decision-makers, or raising public awareness. How could these skills be applied to advocate for individuals in need in your community?

7. What role did empathy play in your decision-making process?

– Reflect on how the game influenced your empathy toward David and others in similar situations. How might empathy inform your approach to advocacy in real life?

Planning for Action

8. Based on what you learned in the game, how would you create a plan to help someone in your community?

– Outline a step-by-step plan that mirrors the advocacy efforts in the game. This could include identifying local social services, forming partnerships, or advocating for a particular cause.

9. What would be your first step in addressing houselessness or mental health in your community?

– Think about a practical, real-world action you could take, such as volunteering, joining an advocacy group, or raising awareness through social media.

10. How has playing this game changed your perspective on houselessness and mental health advocacy?

– Conclude by reflecting on any new insights or changes in perspective you gained from playing the game. How do you think these new perspectives will shape your future actions or opinions on these issues?

Submission Instructions:

Please submit your completed reflection via the learning management system (LMS). This reflection will not only assess your understanding of the game but also encourage you to think critically about how advocacy can lead to real-world change.