Implementation of a Healthy Relationships Program with Youth at the Children’s Aid Society
Abstract
Child welfare-involved youth require support to enhance their relationship skills given their susceptibility to engaging in high-risk interpersonal behaviours. This case study explored the feasibility of implementing an evidence-based healthy relationships program, the Healthy Relationships Program - Enhanced (HRP-E), with child welfare-involved youth. Over 9 months, four HRP-E groups were facilitated at an Ontario Children’s Aid Society, involving 28 youth. Interviews were conducted with facilitators (n = 5) and youth (n = 13) to examine their view of the program. Facilitators completed surveys that evaluated the facilitation of each session and overall program implementation. Thematic analysis of the data were conducted and results indicated that the HRP-E is perceived as a valuable program that is relevant and useful for child welfare-involved youth but requires trauma-informed facilitation and commitment of child welfare agency resources. The outcomes of this study contribute to understanding the factors to consider when implementing a healthy relationships program with child welfare-involved youth.