Evaluation Case Studies
Here you will find in-depth case studies of evaluation approaches developed and trialled by My-Peer partner agencies during the project.
Case Study 1
Evaluating the Freedom Centre Online Forum
The Freedom Centre Forum (FCF) is an online discussion forum for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) youth. The FCF is a safe online space for young people to get information, peer support, and talk to people who have similar experiences with sexuality and gender. It is a place for young people to ask questions, vent and share opinions about sexuality, gender, self esteem and other things that are important to them. The FCF enables young people to get involved in the Freedom Centre community. Rules for participating in the FCF are published on the Freedom Centre website and trained volunteers moderate the space to ensure it remains safe for all participants.
Download Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Evaluating the Youth Focus Peer Support Program
The Peer Support Program (PSP) is a unique early intervention program for 14-18 year olds for the prevention of youth suicide. The Program offers the experience of a safe, supportive, peer based environment in which young people can address issues impacting their lives and enhance positive life skills.
The PSP provides therapeutic group work for young people 14 – 18 years who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm. The PSP involves pre-camp recreation based groups, a weekend therapeutic camp and post-camp support groups. The PSP combines social, creative and physical activities with an emphasis on a safe, fun and non-judgemental group based experience for young people. The PSP will assist young people to understand the challenges they are currently facing, help individuals to develop practical life skills and identify realistic solutions for issues such as:
- Trust
- Communication
- Family and relationships
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem
- Coping strategies
- Hurting
- Personal space
- Conflict resolution
Download Case Study 2
Case Study 3
Evaluating the Uniting Care West Talking Realities Program
The Uniting Care West Talking Realities young parenting program aims to provide both an early intervention and a prevention focus for young families. It aims to influence the health and wellbeing of young parents and their children. This is achieved by providing young parents support to increase their life skills, knowledge and capacity to parent effectively as well as by offering the opportunity to undertake TAFE accredited training to become Peer Educators and presenters of Talking Realities.
The program trains and employs young parent peer educators to present the Talking Realities presentation to high school student groups with the aim of increasing their capacity to make
informed choices regarding parenting and health. The program has a clearly structured curriculum and runs weekly during school terms over the course of a year. Once young mothers have
successfully completed the course they are eligible to take on the role of a Talking Realities Peer Educator.
Download Case Study 3
Case Study 4
Using Creative Evaluation Strategies in the YPAVE Program
The YPAVE program (Young Parenting and Very Excited) aims to provide a TAFE course for young mothers aged 14-25 who are pregnant or parenting. The program runs weekly during school semesters and offers three different sessions to address the needs of young women at different stages in their journey through adolescence, pregnancy and parenthood:
- Bellies and Newborns (0-5 months)
- Mums and Bubs (6 months – 18 months) – Run at Cockburn Youth Centre & Waikiki
- Family and Community Centre
- Positive Parents (toddlers plus) Young Parents Rock Rocky (funded by Education Department – Pave The Way)
The young mothers transition between the groups as their children get older. Each group has a TAFE Lecturer, who designs the semester long programs to meet course outcomes, and a Transition Support Officer, who helps participants and partners transit into education, training and employment.