arts-based programming with at risk youth

[James Neill - Wilderdom]

I'm interested to connect with learn about any arts-based resilience-building programs for youth at risk.  I've got a team of graduate students working on a research project with a local program.  We're designing a mixed methods study which is likely to include processes-like measures of:

- mentoring

- social support

- role of creativity

- social connections

 

and have outcome measures including:

- resilience

- psychological well-being & psychological distress

- self and social personal competence

 

The students, who tend to have mild-moderate issues with depression and anxiety, participate in the program 2-3 hours per week during school hours over a semester and they present an exhibition/performance/book, etc. at the end.   Students are recommended to the program via school counsellors.  There are arts, drama and writing groups - in the past there have also been computer graphics, graffiti and contemporary dance groups.  Many students participate in more than semester and become mentors within the program.  The program is government-grant funded and runs in several locations and is administered by a local community arts center. 

 

Do you know of any other arts-based youth development programs and/or related research which might be of interest?  If you're curious, you can check out the program's website:

http://www.tca.asn.au/messengers.htm

 

Sincerely,

James

 

--

James Neill
Lecturer
Centre for Applied Psychology
School of Health Sciences
Division of Health, Design & Science
University of Canberra
Bruce, ACT 2601  Australia

Location: Room 3B32, Building 3

Phone: +61 (0)2 6201 2536
Fax:   +61 (0)2 6201 5753
Email: james...@canberra.edu.au

Australian Government Higher Education
Registered Provider (CRICOS): #00212K