YOUTH SERVICES
Conference on Community Justice— WRI provided logistical support for a statewide conference on restorative justice as applied to the juvenile justice system. WRI designed the conference materials and arranged for the site, national speakers, and panelists. The Community Justice Conference was held by the NYS Council on Children and Families in Albany on September 22–23, 1999. Approximately 230 professionals (from juvenile justice, youth bureaus, mental health, schools, etc.) across the state attended. The subsequent evaluation conducted by WRI indicated that the conference was very well received.
Development and Assessment of Models for Comprehensive Community Services Programs for Adolescents—With funding from the Office of Human Development Services/HHS, WRI and New York State’s Council on Children and Families studied comprehensive, community-based services for adolescents. Over a three-year period in the early 1980’s, the project surveyed and prepared a directory of comprehensive adolescent services programs not only within New York State but nationwide. After identifying six basic program models, the project then evaluated 11 representative programs. Besides the program directory and evaluation report, the project produced a planning guide, an evaluation guide, and two informational studies to aid community program planners.
Evaluation of Adolescent AIDS/HIV Prevention Programs—The AIDS Institute of the New York State Department of Health has funded a variety of programs ranging from minority community-based organizations, multi-service youth organizations, women’s health care providers, and other types of agencies to conduct programs designed to reduce the risk of AIDS/HIV among adolescents. Target populations being served range from street youth to adolescents in foster care with services including mobile health care vans to support groups for adolescents who have tested HIV-positive. In 1992, WRI assessed the impact of health education activities and policy issues related to targeting and cost-effectiveness. The evaluation included both qualitative and quantitative elements, surveys, and analysis of fiscal data along with health-related outcome measures.
Evaluation of Project STAR (Serving Teens at Risk)—In recognition of the rising number of out-of-wedlock births to teenagers in Albany County, the Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood program initiated a demonstration project to encourage contraception by high-risk teens. The project included the use of a special intake instrument for identifying at-risk teens (by such factors as age, school enrollment, race/ethnicity, economic status, patterns of decision making and goal setting, and knowledge about reproduction and birth control) and the provision of enriched services, including a personalized service team approach, counseling and education, and intensive follow-up efforts. WRI’s assistance in 1986 included development of the intake/risk assessment form and an evaluation of the project.
Evaluation of the FACSA/Teen LYFE Program—To help change the cycle of dropping out of school and becoming dependent on welfare, and to help prevent teenage pregnancy, the New York City Board of Education established day care centers in several high schools to enable teen mothers to finish their education. These centers operated as part of the FACSA (Family and Children’s Services Agency) Teen LYFE (Living for the Young Family through Education) program. In 1987, WRI examined the program’s strengths and weaknesses to determine the advisability of expansion and/or revision. The evaluation, which was funded by the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, was based on visits to 12 program sites with day care centers and interviews with 75 mothers who participated in the program.
Evaluation of the School Construction Authority’s Summer Internship Program—The SCA Summer Internship program gives New York City high school students (juniors and seniors) the opportunity to work in construction industry jobs over a six-week period; the program consists, each week, of four days of on-site work experience and one school-based education day. WRI’s evaluation of the program included an analysis of available descriptive materials; data collection and analyses from student interview questionnaires; questionnaire data from the student counselors who directly interact with the students; and interviews with key individuals participating in the oversight of the program, including some employers. WRI evaluated the 1992, 1993, and 1994 programs.
Evaluation of the Teenage Pregnancy Services Networks—The New York City Youth Bureau funded five adolescent pregnancy services networks, one in each borough, to improve services for youth who are pregnant, parenting, or at risk of becoming pregnant, by improving service coordination among member agencies, providing information and referral services to adolescents, and improving services through advocacy. In 1989, WRI conducted an evaluation of the networks to determine the extent to which they achieved their program objectives. Based on findings from the evaluation, WRI made recommendations to the Youth Bureau for program improvement.
Evaluation of the Teenage Services Act Pilot Demonstration Program—WRI conducted an evaluation of nine pilot case management projects for the New York State Department of Social Services under provisions of the Teenage Services Act (Chapter 975 of the Laws of 1984). The pilot projects were providing case management services to pregnant, parenting, and at-risk adolescents receiving public assistance. WRI’s 1988 evaluation assessed caseworkers and clients satisfaction with the programs and sought to identify the most effective aspects of the program for reducing teenage pregnancy and increasing self-sufficiency.
Evaluation of the YMCA Teen Action Program––From 2000 to 2004, WRI conducted evaluations of the Teen Action Program administered by the YMCA of Greater New York. The program was designed to develop or improve leadership skills, interpersonal competence, literacy, workplace skills, and the healthy life style of teens ages 11–14. The program provided case management, individual counseling, and group work with activities such as setting goals, writing resumes, job seeking, negotiating conflict, making decisions, and providing leadership.
Evaluation of the YMCA Teen Participant Intake Information––The YMCA of Greater New York asked WRI to help develop a profile of the youth entering all programs at the Y. As a result, a participant intake survey was developed and administered to all entering youth from the spring to the fall of 2004. WRI analyzed the data and produced this report, in bar chart form, which presents the results of the survey. The aim was to provide a “snapshot” of the participants—their age, gender, and ethnicity; what programs they attend; and their attitudes toward school, work, and community.
Evaluation of the YMCA Year 2000 Youth Survey—In 2001, WRI was asked to analyze data collected from approximately 1,000 youngsters attending 10 YMCA of Greater New York (YMCA of GNY) programs, and compare the results with data collected in the previous six months by the YMCA of USA. The YMCA of Greater New York was particularly interested in youngsters’ assessment of the impact of its educational and job readiness programs.
Evaluation of the YMCA Youth Skills Certification Program—To help New York City youth develop employable skills, set goals, and grow in self-esteem, the YMCA of Greater New York created the Youth Skills Certification Program in partnership with AT&T. Teen participants were offered 10-week courses in computer literacy, customer service, home and property improvement, and sports officiating and instructing. WRI evaluated the effectiveness of the programs in 1996, 1997, and 1998, as well as a follow-up, retrospective study of the youngsters who participated in the Fall 1998 program.
Girls Between the Ages of Eight and Twelve: Needs and Issues—This report was completed in late 1993 for Executive Women in Human Services, Center for Women and Girls at Risk, with funds from the New York City Department of Youth Services. Beginning with a review of the literature into issues of self-esteem and gender equity, the report describes major organizations and initiatives concerned with needs and issues of girls between the ages of eight and twelve. It concludes with a summary of recommendations for prevention and intervention in addressing the needs of girls and for program and policy changes to enhance the development of confidence and competence in girls.
Guidebook for the Assessment and Treatment of Adolescent and Pre-Adolescent Sexual Abusers and Sexual Abuse Reactors—In 1998, WRI developed this comprehensive document on assessment and treatment services for adolescent sexual abusers in New York State. At the request of the Office of Children and Family Services, WRI conducted research in the field and surveyed 85 providers throughout the state on service modalities, age of clients treated, type of programs offered, geographic regions served, and related topics. The document includes a comprehensive bibliography and lists of relevant state and national organizations. A companion document provides a directory of the 85 providers and grids displaying their services in a convenient format.
Handbook for Youth in Foster Care—With input from teens in foster care, WRI wrote and designed this handbook for youth ages 14–21 coming into care and already in care in New York State. It gives information on youth rights and responsibilities, legal issues, health, sexual issues, school, work, money, and day-to-day life in foster care. The handbook was funded by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Available in Spanish, the handbook was first printed in 2004 and updated in 2007.
Handbook for Youth in Foster Care: Madison and Oneida Counties—In 1997, WRI assisted the Madison County Department of Social Services in the development and production of a handbook for youth from age 11 who are in or about to be placed in foster care. The handbook, was developed with the help of the teens themselves, presents topics on the first day in foster care, how people become foster parents, what happens in court, visiting the biological family, having friends over, smoking, the use of alcohol and drugs, driving, dating, spending money, and similar subjects of interest to teens. A similar handbook was adapted for Oneida County in November 2000. The handbooks were funded by the New York State Department of Social Services.
Partners for Fragile Families Demonstration Project—In 1998, WRI assisted the New York State Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) in submitting joint grant proposals with the NYC OCSE and two voluntary agencies, STRIVE and Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, to the National Center for Strategic Nonprofit Planning and Community Leadership (NPCL). WRI represented the NYS OCSE during the planning grant stage and edited the final proposals. Both proposals were subsequently funded. The purpose of the funding (to be awarded to a limited number of states) is to create fatherhood development demonstration projects that encourage unmarried fathers to take responsibility for their children by establishing paternity, paying child support, and being involved with them on all levels.
Residential Care in New York State 2006 and Beyond––WRI was asked to write this white paper to spark dialogue on the concepts, ideals, and direction of residential treatment in New York State. The paper is directed at stakeholders that provide residential treatment to youth in foster care and those that purchase residential treatment services. Topics include a profile of youth entering residential care, the need for services, current approaches to treatment, and options when youth leave residential care.
School-Based Violence Prevention: Issues, Strategies, and Programs—In response to widespread concern about violence in schools, the Ittleson Foundation, Inc. funded this study and the convening of a panel discussion to address school violence, particularly in New York City. The report presents the panel deliberations, describes the scope and nature of school and community violence, provides a literature review, and describes key programs and initiatives within the context of nine violence prevention strategies. Also included are a bibliography and a list of resource individuals and organizations with information on school violence. The report was completed in late 1993.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status – In 2008, WRI was asked to write an Administrative Directive (ADM) on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The purpose of the ADM is to provide guidance to local departments of social services and child welfare agencies in New York State on identifying and assisting youth to obtain the status. SIJS enables immigrant youth in foster care to become lawful permanent residents and obtain a green card.
Support for a Public Health Campaign to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy—In 1998, WRI assisted the New York State Office of Child Support Enforcement in its campaign to educate the public on the emotional, financial, and legal impacts of parenting. WRI’s activities included developing a brochure and other materials to accompany a 15-minute video, writing a study guide to be used with the video, developing a distribution strategy for the video and study guide, and identifying potential sources of additional funding to support the project. To determine whether the materials were received and were being used, WRI developed a survey to be administered by telephone to schools and youth programs from 10 different entities across New York State. WRI administered the survey (making more than 100 contacts) and developed a report of findings. This activity was funded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Training Skills Bank for the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Services (APPS) Community Service Project—With funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, WRI provides technical assistance to community-based organizations on an as-needed basis in the mid-90’s. Subject areas include strategic planning, grantsmanship, evaluation, personnel management, organizational development, and financial management.
Youth Services in the Virgin Islands—To help the Office of Human Development Services provide a continuum of care for youth and their families throughout Region II, in 1981 WRI conducted a needs assessment of youth services in the Virgin Islands and to develop a detailed plan for providing needed services. Project activities involved cooperation with community leaders and youth advocates, as well as public agency directors, in the Virgin Islands.
