Helping at-risk sexual and gender minority youth through peer support and system improvements
Youth Empowerment and Safety Intervention for Systems-involved Sexual and Gender Minority Youth at Risk of Suicide
This study is looking to help young people from LGBTQ+ communities who are in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems by testing a new program that offers better support and care, aiming to make them feel safer and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11036909 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the safety and mental health of sexual and gender minority youth who are involved with child welfare and juvenile justice systems and are at risk of suicide. It aims to implement a program called Youth Empowerment & Safety (YES), which includes better identification and referral processes for at-risk youth and the introduction of peer support specialists who can provide affirming care. The study will evaluate how feasible and acceptable these interventions are, as well as their initial impact on the youth involved. By addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population, the research seeks to create a supportive environment that can help reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are sexual and gender minority youth aged 0-21 who are involved with child welfare or juvenile justice systems and are at risk of suicide.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved with child welfare or juvenile justice systems or who do not identify as sexual or gender minorities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of suicide among sexual and gender minority youth involved in public systems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that peer support interventions can be effective in improving mental health outcomes for at-risk youth, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prince, Dana M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Prince, Dana M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.