Research and practice development
We believe young people should have a chance to thrive no matter their situation in life.
YSAS Research and Training aims to provide the Youth AOD workforce and wider community with access to current and up to date resources, evidence-based training opportunities, research and publications that support the upward trajectory for young people.
Our dedicated Research and Practice team collaborates with universities and research partners to advance the fields of youth Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), crime prevention, and mental health. We continually evaluate our services and develop evidence-based approaches to better care and support young people. As a learning organisation, YSAS is committed to continuous improvement. Our research helps us assimilate evidence-based best practice into our work. We’re also committed to improving the whole sector so that all young people stand the best chance of success. That’s why we publish the results of our research projects, so that other organisations can make sure their work is based on the best available evidence.
The training we provide
Training and presentations by YSAS are developed from over 25 years of direct practice experience supporting young people who have drug problems. Our courses are underpinned by an evidence-base and the practice knowledge of senior youth work practitioners. YSAS is well known by providing high quality Youth AOD Training to government agencies, local councils, youth organisations, and schools.
Training and presentations by YSAS are developed from over 20 years of direct practice experience supporting young people who have drug problems. Our courses are underpinned by an evidence base and the practice knowledge of senior youth work practitioners.
In our training delivery we endeavour to use, as much as possible, the model of ‘Explain Demonstrate Practice’. This can often take the format of explaining some theory or background information, illustrating it with a case study or vignette from practice, then getting the participants to practice the skill or contextualise the information to their own practice, through small group activities, scenarios, discussion and feedback.
Our sessions are always designed from the foundation of our evidence base for effective work with young people experiencing problematic behaviours including alcohol and other drug issues which is informed by a resilience-based practice model of care grounded in a developmentally conducive and relationship-based approach to practice.