Research, Publications and Surveys

Research & Publications

Literature Reviews

This on "Adolescent Thriving Outcomes" for long-term health and well-being. It highlights components like Effective Programs, Critical Factors, Demographic Factors, Transitions, Developmental Frameworks, and Key Messages, forming a framework to support adolescent development.

Youth Who Thrive

A summary of critical factors and effective programs for 12-25 year olds, commissioned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, United Way Toronto and the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

This a person confidently breaking through a flurry of documents, symbolizing triumph over challenges related to paperwork or bureaucracy. The dynamic pose and scattered papers convey a sense of empowerment and determination.

Youth engagement and health outcomes: Is there a link?

The "Youth Engagement" project investigates how meaningful participation in structured activities affects the health and development of young people aged 12 to 19. By exploring various forms of engagement, such as community service, arts, and sports, the project aims to highlight the connection between active involvement and positive health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of both personal fulfillment and community contribution for youth development.

Articles and Reports

Three young people are sitting together, smiling and facing the camera, with colorful speech bubbles floating above them. The setting appears to be informal, possibly a community gathering or workshop.

Youth Engagement and Mental Health

This project examines the relationship between youth engagement and mental health among LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ youth. Early findings from 135 participants indicate that both groups have similar mental health knowledge, but LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of emotional and psychological issues and lower emotional well-being. The study also finds no significant differences in how safe and respected youth feel in programs. These results highlight the critical need for increased support for LGBTQ youth to improve their mental health outcomes.

A diverse group of six children stand together, smiling, in front of a blue UNICEF Canada background. They are holding a creative project made from various materials, featuring an animated face on a screen and the word 'Swag' written on it. The setting suggests a workshop or event focused on youth engagement.

Young People Define Well Being

UNICEF Canada collaborates with the Students Commission of Canada to elevate youth voices and improve child rights in Canada. This Working Paper, based on youth discussions, informs strategies for measuring and advancing youth well-being. The partnership aims to enhance youth engagement and influence policies, ensuring all children have opportunities to thrive.

an image of a group of smiling young people

Youth Adult Partnerships in Decision-Making

This article explores youth-adult partnerships through five sections by different authors, showcasing their implementation in various environments and identifying effective collaboration strategies. It challenges negative stereotypes of adolescence, promoting the idea that youth are valuable contributors to society. By emphasizing shared decision-making, the article highlights benefits for both youth and adults, such as enhanced skills and inclusive policies, while offering foundational strategies to sustain meaningful partnerships that drive community change.

a group of people sitting in a circle, possibly in a discussion or workshop setting

Enhancing Governance and Decision Making at the Students Commission of Canada

This study explores strategies to enhance governance and decision-making at the Students Commission of Canada (SCC), a nonprofit organization empowering youth. Through organizational action research with participants, the findings emphasize the importance of adaptable governance structures that involve diverse stakeholders. The study recommends a modern governance model to improve collaboration among youth, staff, board members, and external partners in decision-making processes.

A group of young children sits around a table, engaged in drawing and coloring activities. An adult sits with them, guiding their work. The room has colorful posters in the background, with images of smiling children and words like 'Trust.' The setting appears to be a welcoming, educational space designed for youth engagement and development.

Youth drop-ins on the rise: Program types and their strengths

This study highlights the effectiveness of youth drop-in programs in Canada, finding them to be high-quality spaces that promote well-being. Over 1,500 youth participants reported higher civic engagement and community resource knowledge in drop-ins compared to other programs. They also rated drop-ins favorably for diversity and safety, emphasizing their supportive environments for marginalized youth. Many participants described these programs as "life-saving," reflecting strong adult relationships and positive social norms that foster youth development.

A group of young adults sits around a table in a discussion, with papers, booklets, and snacks spread out in front of them. The participants appear engaged in conversation, and one person listens attentively while others speak. The background features a green wall, sticky notes, and a poster with motivational text. The setting suggests a collaborative workshop focused on youth-adult engagement.

Youth-adult relationships: Does community size make a difference?

This study explores the impact of community size on youth-adult relationships in Ontario's youth programs. Analysis of over 300 youth responses indicates that those in smaller communities have stronger adult support, while youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are more likely to participate in decision-making. Despite these trends, both groups rated their partnerships with adults positively. The findings suggest that while youth in smaller communities benefit from strong support, they have slightly less influence compared to their peers in larger urban areas.

There are handwritten notes on a whiteboard or paper listing several educational issues and suggestions. Next to the notes, there is a person speaking or discussing something.

Youth to Kingston Going Forward: A Shared Agenda for an Expanded Initiative

Youth 2 Kingston (Y2K) is a collective impact project in Kingston, Ontario, that aims to enhance collaboration among youth-serving organizations in the KFL&A region. This report includes a literature review on collective impact, updated profiles of stakeholder organizations, and insights into their perceptions of Y2K. Utilizing an online survey and a focus group, the research seeks to foster engagement and develop a shared vision for Y2K’s future initiatives.

Models

Student is using a smartphone to record or take a picture of a group of people. The scene is captured on the phone's screen.

National Youth Policy

The #CanadaWeWant envisions a country that empowers youth to express their voices and engage in shaping policies. The proposed Youth Policy aims to embody an inclusive process, emphasizing ongoing dialogue with young people. Grounded in principles of responsibility, compassion, inclusion, and honesty, the policy seeks to address social issues, including structural racism and environmental injustices. By investing in youth, Canada can foster a more equitable future for generations to come.

Sketch of people sharing ideas with speech bubbles containing shapes, gathered around a board labeled 'Agenda,' symbolizing collaborative planning.

Youth Engagement in Policy

This document presents a model for youth engagement in public policy and program development, focusing on incorporating youth experiences into research and recommendations. Based on pilot projects from the Public Health Agency of Canada and expertise from The Students Commission of Canada, it provides a framework for single-event engagements. Validated through partnerships with Ontario and Saskatchewan, the toolkit emphasizes the role of experienced facilitators and the importance of hands-on experience in effective youth engagement. The Knowledge in Action Model highlights that closer involvement in knowledge generation improves uptake and understanding of engagement practices.

a small plant growing from a crack in the ground, with rain falling from a cloud above. This symbolizes growth and resilience.

Envisioning Better Care for Youth

The Residential Services Youth Panel is a collaborative project involving 12 young individuals aged 18-25 from Ontario who have experienced the residential care system. Since December 2016, the panel has been working closely with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) to provide valuable insights for a blueprint aimed at reforming residential services. The primary goal is to achieve #FundamentalChange for youth in care and related facilities. Supported by organizations like OPACY and The Students Commission of Canada, the panel fosters meaningful connections with MCYS staff, ensuring that their lived experiences contribute to creating a better system for future generations.

Surveys

Conference Survey

The is a 30-minute questionnaire with 53 questions designed to evaluate participants' experiences during an event. It covers topics like inclusion, skill development, and the impact of the environment, as well as the meaningfulness of youth engagement and decision-making involvement. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and focuses on diverse interactions and personal growth.

Head Heart Feet and Spirit

The, Heart, Feet, and Spirit activity involves a brief 5-minute module where participants reflect on their day under four categories. The survey is confidential and voluntary, ensuring that non-participation doesn't affect involvement in the program. Participants can choose to skip questions if desired.

Youth and Community Survey

The is a confidential, voluntary questionnaire featuring 153 questions about participants' lives and beliefs, designed to take 80-90 minutes to complete. Respondents are encouraged to be honest, with assurance that their individual answers will remain private. Participants can skip questions if they're unsure or uncomfortable, providing insights into personal and community experiences.

Snapshot Survey

The a 30-minute questionnaire with 38 questions focused on youth engagement, defined as meaningful participation in activities beyond oneself. It explores four components: HEAD (thinking), HEART (feelings), FEET (time spent), and SPIRIT (meaningfulness). Participation is voluntary and confidential, encouraging honest responses about involvement in various activities and programs.

YES Survey

The-50 minute, 77-question YES Survey assesses participants' behaviors based on recent or current involvement in activities or programs. It ensures confidentiality and voluntary participation, allowing respondents to skip any questions they're uncomfortable with answering.

Youth Adult Survey

The 30-minute questionnaire featuring 39 questions designed to explore youth-adult partnerships within organizations and programs. It presents contrasts in perspectives, allowing respondents to express their opinions on a scale, while ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. Responses help assess how youth and adults collaborate effectively.

Youth Engagement Survey Map

The Youth Engagement Survey Map illustrates the factors influencing youth engagement. It examines initiating factors (self, social, system), sustaining factors (self, social, system), developmental status, demographics, and the perceived impact of engagement (self, social, system). The map provides a framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of youth engagement.

Cup of Coffee Outcome Diary

The Cup of Coffee Outcome Diary is a brief, voluntary, and confidential 5-10 minute questionnaire used to track progress towards goals. Participants document key moments (conversations, events, observations) that indicate positive change at the individual, social, or system level, promoting reflection on impactful experiences and progress.

Decision-making

This 5-minute, 5-question survey confidentially assesses youth influence and the impact of youth participation on decision-making within a group or program. Participants rate their level of influence and the positive effects of youth involvement on the work, organization, and community, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness of youth engagement in decision-making processes.

[Custom Topic] Knowledge and Skills

This brief, confidential survey assesses participants' increased knowledge and skills related to a specific topic (e.g., gender-based violence). Using a 5-point Likert scale, it measures understanding of the topic's root causes, contributing factors, and community-based solutions, along with improved skills in identification and increased interest in addressing the issue. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Leadership Qualities

This confidential 10-minute survey assesses leadership qualities among young adult leaders and adult allies working with youth. Using a 5-point Likert scale, it measures their facilitation skills, including approaches to planning, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making within the group. It also explores the balance between guidance and empowering youth to learn independently while fostering mutual respect and collaboration.

Organizational Outcomes

This brief, confidential survey assesses the positive impact of youth engagement on an organization and its community. Using a 5-point Likert scale, it measures the perceived effects of youth participation on decision-making, goal attainment, community contributions, and the organization's reputation among youth and other organizations. It also gauges the organization's capacity to retain and replace staff. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Organizational Readiness

This brief, confidential survey (approximately 5 minutes) assesses an organization's readiness for youth engagement in decision-making. It explores three key areas: adult attitudes towards power-sharing with youth, the availability of opportunities for youth involvement in decision-making processes, and the existence of organizational policies supporting youth engagement. Responses help gauge the level of support and structures in place for meaningful youth participation.

Project Report

This 10-minute, 12-question survey confidentially gathers information about youth engagement in a specific program or activity. It focuses on the types of activities undertaken and the level of youth participation, providing valuable feedback for evaluating and improving the program's effectiveness. The survey ensures voluntary participation and confidentiality.

Tell Your Own Story

This brief, confidential survey (5-10 minutes) invites participants to share a personal story about a significant interaction with an adult or peer. Participants describe the interaction, its duration, and its impact (positive or negative), providing qualitative data on youth experiences and relationships. Participation is voluntary and responses remain anonymous.

Youth Tips

This short, confidential survey (approximately 5 minutes) solicits advice and tips from youth on how adults can improve their interactions with young people in various settings (programs, events, daily life). The open-ended question allows for a variety of perspectives and suggestions for enhancing positive youth-adult relationships. Participation is entirely voluntary and anonymous.

Youth Meeting/Activity Evaluation – Participants

This brief, confidential survey (approximately 10 minutes) gathers feedback on a youth meeting or activity. Participants rate the overall experience, identify highlights, and provide comments, offering valuable insights for program improvement. Participation is voluntary and responses are anonymous.

Participant Registration Package

This research study, "Sharing the Stories," investigates how participants engage in a program. It uses surveys (paper, text, app, or social media) to collect data from youth, young adults, and adults across Canada. Participation is voluntary and confidential; data is anonymized to protect participant identity. The study's findings will be analyzed to identify trends and published in academic journals and presented at conferences. While primarily virtual, in-person data collection may occur with a minimal risk of COVID-19 exposure.