For the past ten years, YouthZone staff and independent evaluators have been developing a survey to assess the needs of youth. The instrument entitled the YouthZone Assessment Survey has been tested for reliability and validity. It has additionally been tested with thousands of youth involved in the YouthZone program. This effective and efficient assessment tool has become a cornerstone of the impressive outcome results of the YouthZone program.

YouthZone is working to make this web based tool and accompanying training available to other youth serving entities. Along with the assessment survey, YouthZone model programs for intervention services to youth and families will soon be available.

Contact us and ask to be kept informed of the progress of the availability of these products.

More about the effectiveness of YouthZone:

Initially, I became interested in YouthZone after reviewing some of the marketing materials addressing “connection.” I was curious as to its efficacy after reading some of the informational columns on dealing with youth, contributed to the local newspapers by Debbie Wilde. Having done considerable research on youth aggression, addiction and violence, I was cautious when it came to marketing rhetoric promoting “connecting” with youth, being well aware of the importance of any program that could actually (re)establish connections for at-risk youth. My skepticism was further grounded in an extensive review of the literature on “best practices” for working with at-risk youth, i.e., what works and what doesn’t. However, after meeting and interviewing the staff, reviewing programs and participating in the organization’s activities, I am pleased to report that this organization has experientially figured out what works and how to provide the community with meaningful programs and services. -    Jaclyn P. Gisburne, Ph.D.

Functional Analysis and Replication Issues: The Difference is Connection

Evaluation