Engaging Vulnerable Youth in Community-Based Participatory Research: Opportunities and Challenges

Authors

  • Melissa Tremblay University of Alberta
  • Bethan Kingsley University of Alberta
  • Gary Benthem Terra Centre for Teen Parents
  • Rebecca Gokiert University of Alberta

Keywords:

vulnerable youth, community engagement, collaboration, teen parents

Abstract

Drawing on a current community-university (c-u) partnership project as a case study, this paper discusses the opportunities and challenges that can arise when conducting research with vulnerable young people. First, an overview of our c-u project is provided. Next, we share challenges, promising practices, and ethical considerations with respect to participant recruitment, data collection, as well as data analysis and dissemination. Finally, conclusions are offered for those seeking to engage vulnerable youth in research.

Author Biographies

Melissa Tremblay, University of Alberta

Melissa Tremblay is a doctoral student in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Alberta. Melissa has led program evaluations in partnership with First Nation communities, schools, and non-profit organizations. Through her doctoral work, Melissa uses community-engaged approaches that draw on her knowledge and experiences as a clinician to inform her work as a researcher.

Bethan Kingsley, University of Alberta

Bethan Kingsley is a postdoctoral fellow with the Evaluation Capacity Network. Her role is to coordinate and research the network using collaborative strategies. In research more generally, she takes a community-based approach to explore social issues using qualitative methods. Bethan is also a consultant with In Situ Change Strategies.

Gary Benthem, Terra Centre for Teen Parents

Gary Benthem is the Manager of Housing Support Services with Terra Centre for Teen Parents.  Having been in the field of human services since 2000, Gary has spent much of his career with a focus on housing and homelessness.  A keen interest in developing life-long learning and transitioning youth successfully who have aged out of services has led to the development of the eviction prevention through skill development model used in the Successful Families program.

Rebecca Gokiert, University of Alberta

Rebecca Gokiert is an Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families (CUP) in the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta. Rebecca’s current teaching, research and evaluation focuses on community engagement, partnership development and sustainability, and cross-cultural measurement. She collaborates extensively with early childhood stakeholders, immigrant, refugee and First Nation communities in research and evaluation.

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Published

12/31/2018

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2018)

Section

Insights, Case Studies, and Applications

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