Summary description: The Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI), built from longitudinal research in Sierra Leone, addresses mental health problems among at-risk youth. It integrates six empirically-supported practice elements shown to have transdiagnostic efficacy across symptom dimensions of mental health disorders, ranging from major depressive disorder and anxiety to conduct problems.The YRI has three phases which are delivered in a sequential fashion: stabilization, integration, and connection. The YRI is designed to be integrated into education or livelihoods programs: it was initially delivered in educational settings, and later, integrated into youth employment programs tied to regional economic development in Sierra Leone.
Access to the intervention manual: To request access please email rpcalab_ssw@bc.edu
Access to training: Please send an email to rpcalab_ssw@bc.edu
Intended users/ Implementers: Please send an email to rpcalab_ssw@bc.edu
Therapeutic strategies: Trauma intervention to stabilize symptoms, ensure safety, build emotion regulation practices, and strengthen skills for managing painful memories.
Intervention format: It uses a structured, manual curriculum divided into 12 modules, with sequential 90- minute group sessions designed to be delivered by non-specialists.
Target population: At-risk youth for mental health disorders
Significant effects found on symptoms of: Psychosocial adjustment, Adaptive behaviors and attitudes, Quality of Life, Physical Health, Psychological Health, Emotion regulation, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD Symptoms.
Key innovative or differentiating features of this intervention: The YRI has been implemented in several regions across varying languages, showcasing its adaptability.
Summary of Evidence: Several RCTs have implemented the YRI to improve mental health outcomes in war-affected youth in Sierra Leone, refugee youth in Uganda and South Sudan, and Venezuelan migrant families in Colombia. For youth in Sierra Leone, participants have been re-evaluated in a four-year follow-up study, presenting sustained improvments in anxiety and depression compared to the control group. This follow-up was completed following the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating the prolonged positive effects. Embedding the YRI into an educational or vocational training program could provide a structured and sustainable way to support youth development. Future studies are underway related to the Return on Investment of the YRI, impacts on labor markets, and diffusion and spillover effects.
Different populations where the intervention has been used: War-impacted youth in Sierra Leone, Refugee youth in Uganda and South Sudan, Venezuelan migrant families in Colombia.
Restrictions or requirements for its use: Material User Agreements are required to access the manual. A Licensing Agreement is required to use the intervention. Both are available free of charge. To request access please email: rpcalab_ssw@bc.edu
Requirements / qualifications for trainers and supervisors: Those interested in using the intervention should work with RPCA to identify experienced interventionists who can train others, or develop a plan to become a trained as a trainor.
Examples of implementation outside of RCT contexts: The YRI has been utilized for refugee populations in South Sudan with prioritization placed on addressing mental health stigma. Currently, the YRI is also being adapted for use in Kenya with Somali refugees.
Information provided by Theresa Betancourt, author and principal investigator of the intervention.