Research carried out by the Centre for Youth Research and Development, Department of Applied Social Studies, Maynooth Universityprovides evidence that the YAP Programme makes a statistically significant improvement in the wellbeing of young people and families.
On the day of its event to launch the results from the longitudinal evaluation carried out by Maynooth University, YAP Ireland is delighted to announce that the results of the research are very positive and shows that the YAP programme contributes to positive outcomes for young people and their families. The longitudinal evaluation of YAP Ireland was carried out between 2011 and 2013 and provides evidence that the YAP Programme makes a statistically significant improvement in the wellbeing of young people and families. The longitudinal evaluation will be launched on 3rd March from 11am to 1pm at Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
The longitudinal evaluation of YAP Ireland sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the model in an Irish context, exploring whether the needs-led wraparound approach leads to positive outcomes for young people, their families, their communities and referral agents.
The research shows that YAP Ireland has a statistically significant impact on the outcomes of young people and families who participated in the programme and that staff are committed to the model and working in a strengths based way. Also, based on analysis of the data, the results showed that: “Young people participating in the programme perceived positive outcomes, as evidenced through statistical findings (SDQs). These results signify improved wellbeing for young people participating in the programme”. Further results of the study showed that: “young people on the YAP programme find the experience predominantly positive, reporting improved confidence and increased participation in activities and improved community engagement”.
Speaking in advance of the event Prof. Maurice Devlin, Centre for Youth Research and Development, Maynooth University said: “We used a variety of methods to gather data about the impact of the YAP programme. We interviewed the young people themselves as well as their parents and guardians and the responses were very positive. We heard many personal accounts of how being involved in YAP had made a difference for the better in their lives. But we also used an internationally validated research instrument, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, which was administered at the start and end of the six month programme, as well as half way through and again three months after it ended. It was also administered both to young people and parents/guardians. The SDQ results confirm the qualitative findings – participating in YAP leads to a statistically significant improvement in outcomes for young people and their families.”
Also speaking in advance of the event Siobhán O’Dwyer, CEO of YAP Ireland said: “I am delighted that the evaluation strongly shows that working in a strength based, participative way as enshrined in the YAP model achieves very positive outcomes for young people and families. This is further evidence that by involving young people and families in their service, in setting their goals and celebrating their achievements makes a real difference to the outcomes they achieve, reducing their reliance on services in the future and increasing their contribution to community and society.”
Copies of both the executive summary and full research report will be available at the event and on the website www.yapireland.ie from 3rd March. YAP has services available in the following areas: Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin South City, Dublin South West, Dublin North City, Dublin North County, Galway/Roscommon, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Midlands, Monaghan and North Tipperary.
YAP Ireland is a leading provider of intensive support programmes for young people and families. It uses a strengths based, family focused approach to deliver a one-to-one service for up to 15 hours per week over 6 months to young people with complex needs. In 2013, YAP Ireland worked with 577 young people and families across 21 counties.