A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation: Field Education Aimed at Improving Services for At-Risk Transition-Age Youth.

MENTAL illness prevention; MENTAL illness risk factors; TRANSITION to adulthood; EVALUATION of human services programs; VOCATIONAL guidance; SOCIAL workers; RESEARCH methodology; INTERVIEWING; FIELDWORK (Educational method); HUMAN services programs; SURVEYS; QUALITY assurance; STUDENTS; MASTERS programs (Higher education); RESEARCH funding; SOCIAL work education; CURRICULUM planning; MENTAL health services; EDUCATION; ADOLESCENCE

There has been an increasing focus on services aimed at engaging transitionage youth and emerging adults who are at risk of developing, or have developed, behavioral health disorders. However, a need remains for further development of specialized services for this population. This study evaluates a transition-age youth at risk (TYAR) training model within a Master of Social Work (MSW) program in New England. This convergent parallel mixedmethod study collected student and field instructor data throughout each of the program's three consecutive years (cohorts 1, 2, and 3). Students' confidence related to working with TYAR clients increased over time within each cohort and throughout the program's development. Opportunities and challenges for collaborative and iterative evaluations of MSW curriculums are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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