Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

PURPOSE: Community-based arts organizations are promising settings for improving the psychosocial functioning of youth in conflict with the law (YCL), and preventing recidivism. However, there is currently limited evidence of the effectiveness of these programs. Therefore, the Edmonton Arts & Youth Feasibility Study (EAYFS) was conducted to: (a) ascertain the feasibility of establishing a structured arts program that can be subjected to an outcome-based evaluation, (b) test the feasibility of conducting a before and after data collection with a very high-risk group of youth, (c) test the acceptability of a structured art curriculum and data collection procedures with the participants, and (d) ascertain the feasibility of obtaining reliable outcome data.

METHODS: The EAYFS, in collaboration with a community-based arts organization located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada engaged 23 YCL, between the ages of 12 and 18, in a ten-week arts program, from January to March 2005.The multi-media arts program focused on developing prosocial communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills. The EAYFS had both a quantitative and a qualitative component. The quantitative component was a pre-post test method, using a youth questionnaire measuring self-reported delinquency, prosocial behaviour, conduct and emotional problems, alcohol and drug use, and quality of life. Qualitative interviews were conducted with youth, and program staff.

RESULTS: The results indicate that it is feasible to recruit, engage and sustain the participation of YCL from diverse backgrounds (52% Aboriginal, 31% White, 7% Black, 7% Asian, 3% Latin American) in a structured arts program. Seventy-four percent of youth completed the program. Youth reliably completed the self-report questionnaires. The youth and staff (based on the findings from the qualitative interviews) reported improved art skills, problem-solving capacity, and prosocial communication. The youth also reported a decrease in drug use, depression, and loneliness, and a greater sense of enjoyment about life. Strengths of the program included the arts media, the non-judgmental environment, and the support from staff. The study suggests that community-based arts programs for YCL could be subjected to a rigorous outcome-based evaluation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND POLICY: This study contributes to the knowledge base in the field of prevention by guiding the design of arts education programs for YCL. The implications for establishing an outcome-based evaluation will be discussed in relation to site selection and readiness, engaging the community, staff recruitment, monitoring adherence to the research protocol, recruiting and sustaining involvement of parents and youth, evaluation tools, and program development.