Youth Connect Program Evaluation

The University of South Australia (UniSA) and Australian Refugee Association (ARA) entered into an agreement for UniSA researchers to conduct an evaluation of the Youth Connect program. The Evaluation sought to explore the processes and impacts of the Youth Connect program in relation to social participation, economic independence, personal wellbeing and at-risk or anti-social behaviour. The research team were involved in early conversations about the program and regarding ARA’s consultation process with young people. Formal data collection for the Evaluation took place from mid-2023 to early 2024, once ethics approval was received from UniSA. The data collection and analysis reported below were independently conducted by the research team and all participant data remain anonymous and confidential within that team. The evaluation is therefore based on data from three cohorts: young people engaged in the Youth Connect program, staff from participating schools, and staff from ARA.