McCreary Centre Society’s Youth Research Academy (YRA) was established in 2016 to train youth with government care experience in community-based research. Each year, eight youth aged 16–24 complete a 10-month paid employment training program, with the support of community researchers and two Indigenous peer mentors. Evaluation results from the eight cohorts of the YRA completed to date show that the YRA is achieving its aim of supporting young people to achieve educational and employment goals, as well as to develop research skills, build natural connections, and enhance life skills.
Since 2019, the YRA have been conducting a longitudinal study with care leavers in British Columbia. The study aims to better understand the experiences of youth as they transition from the care system. Results are used to provide policy makers and service providers with up-to-date information about what factors appear to support young people to flourish; as well as what is challenging for these young people; and how they can be supported to experience the most successful transition possible.
During this webinar, the presenters will discuss the YRA model and share how their longitudinal study is being used by statutory and non-statutory agencies to help to evaluate and adapt services for care leavers in B.C. A discussion of McCreary’s latest youth group – the Young Indigenous Research Team (YIRT) – will also be featured, which has been formed by Indigenous graduates of the YRA to conduct research projects specific to indigenous youth. Recommendations for those seeking to engage youth with care experience in community-based research will also be shared with the audience.
Webinar Key Objectives:
- To share the successes and challenges of the Youth Research Academy model;
- To share results of the longitudinal study of youth transitioning out of care; and
- To discuss how these results appear to be impacted by the recent extension of supports to care leavers in B.C.
