Promoting Diversity in the Recruitment of a Youth Advisory Council in the Mental Health and Addictions System
ABSTRACT Introduction There is increasing interest in youth advisory councils (YACs) within the mental health and addictions (MHA) system; however, little is known about methods to ensure diversity of perspectives on these councils. Diverse perspectives are critical for ensuring that youth MHA organ...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-04-01
|
| Series: | Health Expectations |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70208 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | ABSTRACT Introduction There is increasing interest in youth advisory councils (YACs) within the mental health and addictions (MHA) system; however, little is known about methods to ensure diversity of perspectives on these councils. Diverse perspectives are critical for ensuring that youth MHA organizations are equipped to support youth needs. Methods A youth‐led YAC recruitment initiative was developed and implemented at a GTA‐based youth MHA navigation service: the Family Navigation Project. Results Specifically, this paper highlights the efforts of three youth staff and volunteers who championed a YAC recruitment plan focused on promoting equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and accessibility, youth engagement (YE), and lived experience/expertise (LE). Discussion This paper is written from the perspective of the youth recruitment team and provides important insights for MHA services interested in ensuring EDI, accessibility, YE and LE on a new or existing YAC, and researchers studying YE in MHA care. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1369-6513 1369-7625 |