Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research

Summary and Analysis

The recent research by Ballard et al. (2023) in the article, Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research, underscores the essential role of youth engagement in substance use prevention efforts. Youth engagement is critical to the success of substance use prevention efforts. Rather than treating young people as passive recipients, meaningful engagement involves youth in planning, tailoring, implementing, and evaluating prevention programs. This approach improves program relevance, quality, and effectiveness by centering youth perspectives.

Youth engagement means partnering with young people as leaders and co-creators of initiatives, forming youth-adult partnerships that are collective, impactful, and based on the skills and interests of all involved. These practices are essential for making prevention programs more responsive to the needs of young people while empowering them to contribute directly to their communities.

At Horizon Treatment Services, Project Eden Youth Services is putting these principles into action. The program actively empowers youth through participation and leadership opportunities that help build their self-esteem, leadership skills, and sense of community ownership. Project Eden fosters youth-adult partnerships by creating spaces where young people are heard, valued, and supported.

Beyond traditional prevention programming, Project Eden is expanding youth engagement with creative, community-centered activities:

• A Mural Event at a junior high school in Winton is planned for May, offering youth a chance to express themselves and contribute to beautifying their community.
• Video Game Nights at Lambda Center provide a safe, inclusive space for young people to connect, socialize, and build positive relationships.
• Community Outreach and Surveys gather youth input on their needs, interests, and challenges, ensuring that programs evolve to stay relevant and effective.

Horizon’s broader youth prevention services include school-based programs, community presentations, and parent education workshops. These initiatives address key issues such as substance use prevention, mental health awareness, and youth development — further demonstrating Horizon’s commitment to elevating youth voices and leadership.

Benefits of Youth Engagement:

• Programs are more responsive to real youth needs.
• Youth develop leadership skills, empowerment, and confidence.
• Community awareness of substance use prevention is expanded through youth-driven initiatives.
• Stronger partnerships between youth and adults are built on mutual respect.
• Prevention programs become more relevant and effective.
• Communities benefit from healthier, more resilient young leaders.

Measuring Success: Measuring the success of youth engagement efforts involves more than just tracking program outcomes. It includes collecting direct feedback from youth participants through surveys, focus groups, and interviews; evaluating reductions in substance use and increases in leadership development; and assessing the strength of youth-adult partnerships through shared decision-making and satisfaction among both youth and adults.

By embedding authentic youth engagement practices into its programming, Horizon Treatment Services and Project Eden Youth Services are setting a high standard for substance use prevention. These efforts not only support healthier youth but also strengthen entire communities, empowering the next generation to thrive.

Visit our website to stay up-to-date on Youth engagement initiatives: Project Eden Youth Outpatient & Prevention Services

Read the article: Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research