Youth Programs Research Articles

School-Based Victimization Prevention Education Programs for Children and Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review.

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at significantly higher risk of experiencing multiple types of interpersonal victimization across their lifespan compared to their peers without IDD. Despite the extensive literature on efficacy of prevention education programs for children without IDD, very little is known about comparable programs for children with IDD. In this scoping review, we synthesized the literature on existing programs for children with IDD. We identified thirteen programs which we critically assessed against established best practice criteria for prevention and special education and evaluation. The current literature on prevention education programs for children with IDD exhibits significant limitations, such as weak research designs and poor measurement of outcomes.

Finding the beat: A partnership to address the relationship between a music program and health among youth who have experienced trauma.

Expertise on treating trauma and traumatic stress sequelae has been siloed in the mental health professions, although somatic psychotherapies and adjuncts to treatment are gaining attention. Alternative and accessible interventions are needed, especially for youth who have experienced trauma. Lost Voices is a community-based group providing trauma-informed music therapy to youth who have experienced trauma in southern Michigan. The purpose of this program evaluation was to use a community-based participatory research approach to create a thoughtful partnership between an academic partner and a nonprofit organization in order to evaluate the outcomes of a music therapy intervention currently being delivered by professional musicians to youth who have experienced trauma. This program evaluation used semistructured interviews with 19 key stakeholders (e.g., youth participants, facility staff, musicians) from two residential youth programs in southern Michigan. A total of four themes were identified from the interviews, including (a) processing emotion, (b) building trust, (c) self-expression, and (d) future orientation. Subthemes included individual story and coping within the theme processing emotion, a focus on outside role models and peer connection within the theme building trust, the fun aspect of the intervention and confidence as part of the theme self-expression, and future orientation encompassed the motivation that youth participants gained as well as forward thinking. This program evaluation provides data to help build the evidence for alternative mental health treatments that specifically reach those impacted by a lack of access and availability of treatments due to social determinants of health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Paragliding Events & Festivals: Catalyzing Aero-Sports Tourism Development in India

India’s diverse geographical landscape and rich cultural history make it an ideal destination for paragliding events and festivals, highlighting its potential for aero sports tourism in the world. India has been the host of the Paragliding World Cup, and Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup integrating with various cultural events and festivals. Paragliding destinations of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Kerala have gained popularity among the paragliding community worldwide by hosting paragliding “events & festivals”. This study has evaluated the potential of the paragliding destination of various states in India and the role of paragliding “events and festivals” in aero-sports tourism development in India. After analyzing the data from the secondary sources found the various challenges for aero sports tourism in India. Managerial implication has underlined the importance of strategic planning required by state tourism departments, paragliding associations, and local communities to incorporate music and dance festivals with paragliding events. Skill development and training programs for local youth, development of the infrastructure, sustainable environmental practices, and effective marketing and promotion will all contribute to the growth of paragliding tourism in India. Findings highlight the incorporation of local culture (dance music & food) into paragliding festivals, which promotes India’s rich heritage. Organizing events and festivals at Aero sports destinations attract tourists as well as benefits the local economy, resulting in job growth. Sustainable environment-friendly practices and community participation can reduce environmental damage and it will promote a sense of ownership among locals. The results underline the importance of empowering local communities to benefit from paragliding tourism development. Paragliding festivals not only paragliding pilots and tourists, but they also serve as an effective destination marketing tool, promoting lesser-known destinations and contributing to India's long-term Aero-sports tourism development goals.

“It changed me for the better”: Feasibility, acceptability, and safety of an online program for sexual and gender minority youth to prevent alcohol use and teen dating violence

ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to describe and present implementation outcome data from an open pilot trial of the Promoting Resilient Youth with Strong Hearts and Mind (PRYSHM) Program, an online, live-facilitated, nine-session group program for dating sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) ages 15 to 18. The program, co-facilitated by two LGBTQIA2S+ adults, focuses on reducing proximal forms of minority stress and building LGBTQIA2S+ community in addition to providing evidence-based teen dating violence (TDV) and alcohol use (AU) prevention components. MethodParticipants (recruited via social media) included 18 SGMY (ages 15 to 17) from across the U.S. who completed a baseline survey and immediate post-test, as well as post-session surveys following each of the nine sessions. Sessions were recorded to monitor fidelity and facilitation skills. ResultsThe intervention was highly acceptable, and the program was perceived to be relevant and impactful, as evidenced by SGMY agreeing or strongly agreeing to items assessing these domains. Further, fidelity was 82.4% (average) across sessions, and the average attendance was 6.50 out of 9 sessions. SGMY also provided open-ended feedback used to revise the PRYSHM program for future implementation and evaluation research. ConclusionThese data provide preliminary support for PRYSHM as a feasible, acceptable, and safe prevention program and suggest that further evaluation of the program using larger samples and rigorous outcome evaluation methods is warranted.

The Role of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in Improving Access to Peer-Supported Services.

Peer support workers (PSW) improve outcomes for people with behavioral health needs, but integrating PSWs into routine behavioral healthcare has been challenging. Certified Community Health Centers (CCBHC), a new comprehensive care model, provides new opportunities to increase access to PSWs. The present study examines whether PSW utilization changed following one organization's transition to a CCBHC. Administrative data from a large behavioral health organization was used to examine changes in peer delivered services before and after CCBHC implementation. Chi-square analyses examined changes in the number of visits delivered by peers. Logistic regression examined differences in the likelihood of accessing PSW services during pre and post timepoints. Following CCHC implementation, the overall number of PSW visits delivered within substance use and transition age youth programs increased. In contrast, the number of PSW visits in community-based intensive case management program decreased. Clients with opioid use disorders were more likely to have accessed PSW services following CCBHC implementation. Results reflect that CCBHC designation generally increased the number of PSW visits within this organization; however, changes in peer service utilization were primarily concentrated among individuals with opioid use disorders and within substance use and transitional aged youth programs. This study provides novel insight into how PSWers are being integrated into the CCBHC model.

Pubertal Development and Pregnancy Outcomes Among System-Involved Youth

ABSTRACT System-involved youth are a vulnerable population at high-risk of experiencing numerous sexual reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. They are likely to have several risk factors for teen pregnancy and parenting including abuse and neglect histories, lack of a supportive consistent adult in their lives, and limited opportunities to experience normal romantic relationships. Issues of pubertal development are rarely addressed in this population. Data is from system-involved adolescents (n = 301) enrolled in a SRH intervention. The final analysis is restricted to those who were sexually active at baseline (n = 229). Most participants were African Americans between 13–21 years of age. More than 70% reported an early mean age of first sex. Approximately a quarter self-reported early pubertal development. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the odds of pregnancy in relation to self-reported pubertal timing. The findings support the need to develop programming for system-involved youth which address their unique needs.

Evaluasi Program Pembinaan Pusat Pendidikan dan Latihan Pelajar (PPLP) Provinsi Kepulauan Riau

The Student Education and Training Center (PPLP) in Riau Islands was formed based on the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KEMENPORA) program in the development of achievement sports coaching centers in the regions. Currently Riau Islands Province has 3 PPLP Sports Branches that are running, namely Pencak Silat, Taekwondo and Archery which are managed by the Riau Islands Provincial Youth and Sports Office. In its implementation there are several shortcomings such as sports facilities, facilities and infrastructure, and the achievements of athletes. The purpose of this study was to obtain a complete picture and evaluate the process of implementing the coaching program for PPLP athletes in Riau Islands Province. This research methodology uses a qualitative descriptive approach with primary and secondary data sources, and data collection methods in the form of documentation, interviews, and observations. The theory used by researchers in evaluation uses Masson & Gibbon's theory in Hayat (2018) which includes indicators: The process has run optimally, seen from the role of the management in implementing the coaching program that has been well coordinated. For formative indicators, it is less than optimal as seen from the fulfillment of athletes' facility needs which are not fully met. For summative indicators, it runs less optimally seen from the results of athletes' achievements that have not been consistent at the national level. The conclusion of this research is that the PPLP program has been running quite well in Riau Islands Province, it's just not optimal seen from additional professionals such as sports specialists, infrastructure and the results of athletes' achievements at the National level. Suggestions for improvement are that the administrators involved in the PPLP program must be able to increase their contribution, especially in terms of meeting the needs of athletes

Examining the Impact of the Funding System on Organized Youth Sport in Portugal: Implications for Research and Practice

The purpose of this critical commentary is to provide insights about the impact of funding structures on youth sport research and programming, with a particular focus on research priorities and access to quality youth sport experiences across competitive youth sport programs. Portugal is used as a case studyto provide insights about how funding structures may be strategically positioned to positively influence competitive youth sport programs and associated research efforts. The field of competitive youth sports constitutes a complex network influenced by cultural, social, and political factors, where multiple decision makers are driven by funding requirements, performance ideals, and societal norms. This context, although promising, faces challenges such as the prevalence of a lucrative market that prioritizes competitive outcomes, exacerbating inequalities and inherently neoliberal ideals. A strong emphasis placed by funding on winning and performance development may undermine other concerns to emerge across competitive youth sport programs. Furthermore, research programs play a crucial role in understanding and providing novel pathways for competitive youth sport. However there are challenges in seeking funding and academic recognition for these endeavours, which can create a disconnect between knowledge creation and actual needs. This reflection seeks to stimulate an open and constructive dialogue, calling on all actors that are part of the competitive youth system to develop collaborative efforts to make competitive youth sport a holistic experience accessible to all.

Evaluation of an integrated mental health and substance use video-based prevention program for Filipino youth

Evaluation of an integrated mental health and substance use video-based prevention program for Filipino youth

Optimal Dosage and Session Structure of Mindfulness-Based Programming for Youth Across Developmental Periods: Delphi Approach Outcomes

Purpose Research of mindfulness-based programming/interventions (MBP) for youth has proliferated in recent years; however, heterogeneity of MBP for youth impede determination of optimal programmatic structure across developmental periods. Design/Approach/Methods Expert MBP scientists and instructors were iteratively surveyed using the Delphi method to assess optimal MBP session structure across developmental periods. Findings Survey Round 1 defined the participants’ perspective of ideal structure across early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. In Survey Rounds 2 and 3, participants considered the preceding Round's results (means and SDs) and indicated what they believed was the ideal structure of a single MBP class. Final results following the Round 3 survey indicated that MBP session period should be progressively longer relative to the developmental time period (early childhood mean = 20.0 min; middle childhood mean = 34.5 min; adolescence mean = 50.0 min); that roughly half of a youth MBP session should be dedicated to mindfulness practice; and that progressively more time should be allocated to didactic instruction and discussion, relative to mindfulness practice, as youth become older. Originality/Value These findings are the first to report expert feedback on the ideal structure of a youth MBP session, and results have significant implications for future youth MBP evaluation, implementation, and curriculum development.

Effectiveness of a predator avoidance program for elementary-aged youth.

With thousands of children abducted and abused each year, efforts are needed to keep children safe from predators. Revved Up Kids (RUK) is an intervention that gives elementary-aged children the necessary tools to recognize and avoid dangerous people and situations. The purposes of this study were to describe the RUK intervention components and document its effectiveness. This evaluation utilized a quasi-experimental design to determine the effectiveness of RUK. The single-session intervention was offered in two formats: one-hour (n = 119 youth) and three-hour (n = 28 youth) workshops. RUK workshop effectiveness was compared to a comparison group (n = 211 youth) that did not receive an intervention. Data were collected at baseline, immediate-post, and 1-month follow-up from second to fourth grade participants. A series of linear mixed models were fitted. Compared to the comparison group, participants in both RUK workshops showed significant improvements across the three time points. More specifically, participants in the one-hour and three-hour RUK workshops significantly increased their safety knowledge measured by the Recognize Score (p < 0.01), Avoid Score (p < 0.01), and Escape Score (p < 0.01), respectively. These effective single-session workshops can be easily introduced into schools and community-based settings to complement existing efforts to prevent child abduction and abuse.

Predictors of medical adherence following a bowel management program for youth and young adults with Spina Bifida.

To evaluate individual and community sociodemographic factors that predict bowel regimen adherence in youth and young adults with Spina Bifida (SB) following participation in a bowel management program (BMP). Participants were drawn from clinical cases seen through an International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care. Area deprivation index (ADI) scores were extracted from participant addresses and bowel regimen adherence data were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR). Participants' mean age was 8.06years old, 51.7% were male, 72.4% white, 37.9% Hispanic, 56.9% government insurance, 89.7% myelomeningocele, 15.5% non-adherent. Average neighborhood disadvantage was 5.19 (SD:2.83, range:1-10). After controlling for variables correlated with adherence (p < .20), every one decile higher neighborhood disadvantage score was associated with a 48% decrease in the odds of being adherent (OR = 0.52, p = .005, 95% CI: -101.90, -0.21). Our results suggest that neighborhood disadvantage is a strong predictor of medical adherence following a BMP, more so than other sociodemographic and health-related variables. These results may assist with identifying which individuals may be at higher risk for poor health outcomes due to neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and help health care systems intervene proactively.

Latine immigrant youths’ attitudes toward mental health and mental health services and the role of culturally-responsive programming

Latine immigrant youth, in general, report logistical barriers that contribute to utilizing fewer healthcare services and not knowing how to navigate the healthcare system. In addition to underutilizing healthcare services, Latine immigrant youth also report higher levels of negative attitudes toward mental health when compared to non-Latine immigrant youth. However, little is still known regarding factors that impact these attitudes toward Latine immigrant youth, as well as the community support efforts that are available to this specific group. Using a semi-structured interview with 12 Latine immigrant youth, this study explored (1) the attitudes towards mental health, (2) attitudes towards mental health services, (3) and the experiences of participating in a local community-based program for Latine immigrant youth. Results found that most participants held positive attitudes toward mental health, and all participants described positive attitudes toward mental health services. In addition, all participants reported having positive experiences with a culturally sensitive youth program that promotes psychological well-being while integrating into the United States. They noted that it had benefited them socially, culturally, and psychologically. Given the rise of Latine immigrant youth in the U.S. and the stigma surrounding mental health attitudes, it is crucial to continue to explore this area to serve Latine immigrant youth better and connect them to the mental health services they may need. Also, it is important to have community programs, such as this one, that support and meet Latine immigrant youth’s needs.

Bidirectional pathways between relationships and sense of belonging in a program for youth living in low-income households

High-quality youth development programs can serve as relationship-rich spaces where youth develop a sense of belonging and meaningful connections with caring adults and peers. The pathways between strong relationships and youth’s sense of belonging within these settings remains unexplored, particularly among PYD programs who serve youth from low-income communities. Therefore, this study examined the bidirectional pathways between developmental relationships with program peers and program staff and youth’s sense of belonging. The study included 194 youth (ages 8–17; 75% youth of color; 46% female) who participated in a program designed to provide youth living in low-income households with trusting relationships and greater access to year-round enrichment opportunities. Utilizing survey data across three time points, findings show how youth’s sense of belonging and developmental relationships with program peers led to stronger developmental relationships with program staff over time. Findings highlight important implications for the role of program peers within positive youth development programs.

Facilitating the Virtual Exercise Games for Youth with T1D (ExerT1D) Peer Intervention: Protocol Development and Feasibility.

Barriers to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) include physiology, transition to autonomy, and diabetes-specific stigma. Opportunities for T1D peer activities with T1D role model support are limited. To address this need, our single-arm pilot study tested the Home-based Virtual Activity Program for Youth with T1D (HAP-V-T1D) for feasibility. Participants (n=15) were mean age 15.6 [SD 1.5] years, 7 non-Hispanic white, 6 female, 2 non-binary, mean A1c 8.9%±2.2%. The program included an MVPA videogame, physician-led education regarding managing T1D around MVPA, objective habitual MVPA goal-setting , and T1D management skills guided by young adult instructors living with T1D. For feasibility, 13/15 participants attended 10/12 sessions. Participants' perceptions of the program, comfort, instructors, and group cohesion were rated high/very high (4.2±0.5 to 4.8±0.3 out of 5).Motivation for the videogame was also high (4.1±0.4 out of 5). Instructor-adolescent interactions related to building T1D management skills were rated as excellent for 78% of sessions. Similarly, sharing knowledge and experiences were rated as excellent for 68% of sessions. However, adolescent-adolescent interactions were poor (communication 29% excellent, peer interactions 8% excellent). The most reported barriers to participation were negative mood and oversleeping. No participants experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, or injuries during the study period. Compared to baseline, glycemic metrics appeared to decrease during and post intervention (d= -0.72, -1.12). HAP-V-T1D facilitated unprecedented T1D peer support achievements by engaging diverse youth with T1D in an MVPA program led by T1D role models. Larger studies are needed to assess if this intervention can improve glycemic measures and reduce diabetes-specific stigma.

Bridging gaps, building futures: evaluating a multinational’s employment programme vs. work-first for youth with diverse education levels

ABSTRACT In the Netherlands, public work-first support tends to cause unemployed young people to exit into primarily non-standard jobs. A worldwide-renowned Dutch company, Royal Philips, has offered since the mid-1980s a two-year lasting work experience and vocational training programme to long-term unemployed youth as an alternative to public work-first support. This quasi-experimental study uses data from the company programme's participants and national longitudinal register data for the matched control group receiving public work-first support. The present study observes the employment impact of this private company's employment programme compared to the public programme for inadequately skilled youth (aged 16–35) by education level. Participants’ employment levels are compared with a carefully matched public work first-subjected control group up to a maximum of ten years later. Fixed-effects panel regression models show that, due to its upskilling and work experience features, the employment programme positively affects sustained wage-fitted employment over ten years compared with the control group subjected to public work-first support. The programme's employment effect associated with upskilling is achieved notably with low-educated participants who received vocational training. In contrast, participating high-educated young people seem to profit from human capital and signalling effects.

Safe Spaces and Critical Places: Youth Programming and Community Support

In this article we explore the work of two after-school programs in Toronto, Ontario. Our Youth Success (OYS) is a community-based mentoring program dedicated to lowering the push-out rates of students of Spanish and/or Portuguese-speaking descent. In the Youth Speak Program (YSP), community activists use spoken word poetry and rapping as a vehicle for Black students to express their emotional lives. The data we present come from two separate studies which both used ethnographic approaches, focusing on observation and interviews with participants (Hammersley &amp; Atkinson, 2019). Using Critical Race Theory (CRT), we examine interview data on how the pedagogical relationships developed in these spaces promote the wellbeing of Latinx and Black youth beyond academic outcomes. We argue that these spaces provide insight into the transformative possibilities of critical pedagogies for the wellbeing and healing of communities who have long been marginalized from mainstream institutions.

School-Based Behavioral Health Programming for Newcomer Youth: A Scoping Review

ObjectiveNewcomer youth experience health disparities in accessing behavioral health services. School-based mental health programming is proposed a potential solution to address these disparities. The present study uses a scoping review methodology to examine the state-of-the-art of the evidence base for school-based mental health programming for newcomer youth. Studies were categorized into a tiered typology using the framework established by the National Center for School Mental Health. MethodsSeveral databases were examined as well as the results of one scoping and two systemic recent reviews. ResultsA total of 37 studies were included in the present analysis, over half from the last decade. Most studies were conducted in the United States and Europe, and most programs were focused on mental health promotion and wellness (Tier 1) or were multi-tiered. Programming for younger children, especially those in early childhood settings, were underrepresented. ConclusionsWhile the literature is promising regarding programming for newcomer youth, particularly the advent of complex multi-tiered programming, many gaps still remain. For example, most programs do not provide information on how programming was adapted for different groups of newcomers with different cultural and contextual needs. Tier 1 programs lack theoretical foundations or theories of change in the design of programming. Further, more research is needed for a group with rising numbers across high- and middle-income countries, particularly for programming targeting early and middle childhood.

The Potential of Sport Education to Satisfy the Basic Psychological Needs of Children From Socially Vulnerable Backgrounds

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether, drawing on the perception of their coaches, the application of the pedagogical model of sport education could be associated with satisfying the basic psychological needs of children from socially vulnerable backgrounds. Method: A 36-session sport education season was implemented within a community program for youths from disadvantaged environments. Three coaches, one researcher, and 31 children aged 9–11 years (17 boys and 14 girls) of diverse ethnicities participated. Qualitative data were obtained through four focus groups conducted during the program in addition to the research diary of the researcher, who played the role of participant observer. Results: The coaches observed a progressive evolution in the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, relatedness, and the need referred to as novelty. Discussion/Conclusion: We may conclude that sport education can be a valuable tool to improve the satisfaction of these needs in children from socially vulnerable backgrounds.

Testing the Impact of a Law Enforcement–Operated Co-responder Program for Youths: A Quasi-Experimental Approach

Testing the Impact of a Law Enforcement–Operated Co-responder Program for Youths: A Quasi-Experimental Approach