A utilization-focused approach to evaluating a “youth-friendly” mental health program: The Youth Net/Réseau Ado story

Abstract

The present evaluation of a mental health program, Youth Net/Réseau Ado, follows Patton's utilization-focused model. Both staff and youth stakeholders were involved in the process of designing the evaluation, providing ongoing feedback, interpreting results and establishing recommendations. The findings of this evaluation were used consistently in meaningful ways for decision-making and program improvement. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement also appeared to enhance commitment to evaluation. Ultimately, the utilization-focused framework could serve as an evaluation model to enhance continuous improvements in professional practice and outcomes for youth.

Keywords:

• youth
• program evaluation
• stakeholder involvement
• utilization-focused
• mental health

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge Dr. Robert Flynn, Dr. Ian Manion, Sarah Brandon, Matthew Manion and Sarah Benmergui, as well as staff, facilitators and youth participants from Youth Net/Réseau Ado.