Analyzing Alternative Behavioral Crisis Response Models in the U.S.

In the U.S., communities often rely on the criminal justice system to respond to, house, and treat individuals with mental health and substance use problems.

Perspectives from diverse stakeholders in a youth community-based participatory research project.

Introduction: TEEN HEED (Help Educate to Eliminate Diabetes) is a community-based youth participatory action research (YPAR) study in which prediabetic adolescents from a predominantly low-income, non-white neighborhood in New York City participated in a peer-led diabetes prevention intervention. The aim of the current analysis is to evaluate the TEEN HEED program through examination of multiple stakeholder perspectives to identify strengths and areas for improvement that may inform other YPAR projects.

Methods: We conducted 44 individual in-depth interviews with representatives from six stakeholder groups (study participants, peer leaders, study interns and coordinators, and younger and older community action board members).