"Young People in Community-Based Research": Engaging Youth in Applied Research: Hope for the Future of Youth Housing

Youth can be brought to the research table but how does meaningful engagement happen? This webinar will focus on a SSHRC funded applied research project entitled: Co-design of a Youth-led Housing Hub: Developing a Unique and Scalable Housing Model for Youth Living on Their Own in Durham. This project engaged youth aged 16 and 17 who live on their own (independent from their families), known as "Trusteed Youth", to generate knowledge about how to best meet the needs of Trusteed Youth, identify best practices for engaging Trusteed Youth in participatory action research, co-design an evidence-based alternative housing model for precariously housed youth, and determine policy and practice recommendations for supporting youth living on their own. Throughout this multi-year project youth were involved on equal footing with researchers and community service providers every step of the way—from conception of research questions to analyzing findings. This webinar will explore lessons learned and key insights gained for how to best engage youth in applied research projects. Lorraine Closs, principal investigator on the project and Kendra Grant Guanti will co-lead the discussion.