Jamel youth risk factors : assessment report

The assessment found that socioeconomic interventions were the most effective and sustainable in reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors. These included ● Early childhood interventions ● Social and emotional learning programs ● Sport-based initiatives ● Community-based interventions The assessment further found that it was not feasible to uncover the most effective mix of interventions given the complexity across context, risk factors, and youth intersectionalities. Instead, the literature review and primary data collected revealed a mix of well documented approaches, which when used in combination are likely to facilitate effective and sustainable YCVP outcomes. These included taking a systems approach, using USAID’s Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework and adhering to USAID policies such as locally led and inclusive development. Activities that were the most sustainable were those tailored to the local context that addressed the systemic nature of crime and violence. Acknowledging that USAID is engaged in some of these activities, the recommendations move beyond the use of the approaches and effective interventions. Instead, they emphasize the need for USAID/Jamaica to support a learning ecosystem for YCVP public and private stakeholders. This system approach requires buy-in and investment from YCVP implementers and stakeholders that galvanizes them around a common goal. This assessment is a useful springboard for developing evidence-based YCVP work in Jamaica and can be useful to USAID and all YCVP stakeholders in Jamaica and similar contexts.