Strategies for Gaining Access to Deliver Sport Programs with Highly Vulnerable Youth

Abstract

Sport programs have been widely studied for their efficacy in helping youth develop important social, psychological, and physical skills. Extensive research has explored the challenges related to design, implementation, and evaluation of sport programs with a developmental focus. However, when designing sport programs specifically tailored for youth from vulnerable backgrounds, the challenges become multiplied, particularly when accounting for barriers that exist before the program starts. The following article describes best practices for gaining access to non-traditional, hard-to-access environments, such as foster care systems, juvenile detention centers, youth residential mental health facilities, and programs situated in high-risk communities. Recommendations are provided for the initial phase of sport program development for vulnerable populations, including protecting youth, choosing appropriate sport content, and addressing barriers in the research process. Generally, these best practices are applicable for the development of any youth program. However, this article provides context-specific guidance and precautions that should be considered to protect and foster the well-being and welfare of youth from highly vulnerable populations.

Research Brief: Physical Activity Trends Among Incarcerated Youth During a Sport Leadership Program

“…Activity Trends Among Incarcerated Youth 111 [27][28][29][30][31][32]. Previous research demonstrates the ability of sport-based interventions to lower sedentary times and increase activity levels of incarcerated males.…”

“…These findings are promising despite focusing on weekly activity data and not providing a comparison group. 30 While sport programs in detention centers are becoming more prevalent, 31,32 little is known regarding the amount of physical activity that occurs during such programming. Scholars have clearly demonstrated the psychosocial and mental health benefits of participation; 26 yet, further exploration specific to the quantity of physical activity is warranted.…”

A series of realist evaluations of multi-component programmes with disengaged young people: What works, for whom, and in what contexts?

“…More specifically, young people may be more likely to resonate with facilitators when they come from similar impoverished backgrounds or when they share an understanding of adverse circumstances (Crabbe, 2009;Haudenhuyse et al, 2012). Through shared experiences and similar cultural capital, facilitators may command higher levels of authority, authenticity, respect, and in turn, young peoples' engagement and responsiveness (Crabbe, 2009;Haudenhuyse et al, 2012;Jacobs, Wahl-Alexander, & Mack, 2019;Theeboom, Knop, & Wylleman, 2008).…”