YTD--Focus Group

Focus Groups

As discussed earlier, some focus groups with participants (and potentially their parents) may be conducted to gain insight into their perspective and experiences with the program. Focus groups will be short (30-60 minutes) and would include about 7-10 youth. Topics that will be addressed may include the following:

1. Goals of the youth

Subtopics:

• Post school plans/goals

• Short-term expectations around employment and type of employment

• Who provides the youth with support in setting goals (e.g. family, school teachers, YTD program staff, etc.)

2. Experiences with the YTD program

Subtopics:

• Which YTD staff did the youth work with

• What activities did the youth participate in (e.g. person-centered planning)

• What services did the program provide (e.g. job development)

• Youths perspective on whether these activities or services were or will be useful

• What YTD waivers did the youth access

• Youths perspective on whether the waivers were a factor in considering employment

• Youths perspective on service gaps or challenges associated with participation in the YTD program

3. Future Plans

Subtopics:

• Long-term expectations related to employment, independence and self-sufficiency

• Role YTD program had in setting those expectations