Using both traditional and innovative methodologies, our work focuses on engaging marginalized and under-served youth, their families, and their communities. Read about the Youth Wellness Lab’s research and community engagement projects.
Our Research Areas
Arts-based Research
Child Welfare and Out-of-Home Care Research
Intervention Research and Prevention Science
Digital Storytelling in a Dual Pandemic
This COVID-era arts-based study partnered with StoryCentre Canada for digital storytelling workshops, strengthening youth-adult partnerships and creating community-driven stories. Follow-up research will adapt the model for young people.
The Real TO: An Instagram Live Series
The Real TO was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to connect Black and racialized youth and address their challenges. An Instagram Live Series in 2022 featured youth discussing issues like online learning and young motherhood with community leaders and peers.
Sharing in the Healing Journey
In partnership with YWCA Toronto, this PHAC-funded project evaluates Expressive Arts programs to help mothers and children heal from family violence.
Mapping Disparities for Black Families in the Child Welfare System
In partnership with One Vision One Voice, this project maps disparities in the system for Black children, youth, and families and the impact of anti-Black racism in creating and sustaining them.
Global Health Research with Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Funded through a Melbourne-Toronto partnership grant, this project convenes interdisciplinary researchers from Canada and Australia with shared interests in global adolescent health and health inequity.
Young Parents Project
This project explored the experiences of young mothers with involvement in the child welfare system while they were pregnant or parenting. (We have a lot of papers already out so take out findings coming soon).
This Is Me
With support from the Children’s Aid Foundation, 21 young people in the child welfare system participated in virtual body-map storytelling workshops to explore their experiences and self-expression.
Developmental Disruptions: Adolescent Involvement in the Child Welfare System
This study examined why and how adolescents are entering the child welfare system in Ontario, with a special focus on identifying their unique needs.
Promoting Reproductive Justice with Under-Housed Youth
Youth experiencing homelessness encounter injustices regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The YWL leads reproductive justice research with and for young people who are under-housed, frontline service workers, and healthcare providers.
Black Youths’ Narratives of the Ontario Child Welfare System
This study explored the experience of navigating anti-Black racism in the narratives of Black Caribbean youth about their time in in out-of-home care in Ontario.
Healing Together
In partnership with Mending a Crack in the Sky and Midaynta Community Services, this body-map storytelling project engaged Somali-Canadian mothers who lost children and community members to gun violence.
Youth Consultation on the Transition from Care
The YWL team documented provincial consultations on youth transitioning from child welfare care, reflecting on youth participation, engagement, and partnerships.
Improv for Well-Being and Connectedness
In partnership with the Second City Toronto and YWCA, the YWL explored improv’s potential to enhance well-being in young women of colour, youth experiencing homelessness, and in strengthening youth-adult partnerships.
Employment Outcomes of Youth from Care
Funded by the Children’s Aid Foundation and Royal Bank of Canada, this project studied employment outcomes for Ontario youth from out-of-home care.
“Life After...: Longitudinal Outcomes of Youth Exiting Transitional Housing
In partnership with Covenant House Toronto, this SSRHC-funded project longitudinally explores youths’ (ages 18-26) outcomes for two years after moving out of care provided through transitional housing programs.
Point of View: A Photovoice Project
This Photovoice project with YWCA Scarborough engaged nine young women of colour, ages 14-18, using photography and critical dialogue to capture and discuss anti-Black racism, mental health, gender equity, and body positivity through youths’ lenses.
Transit Access Project: TAP for Youth
Founded by UofT students, TAP for Youth works with Toronto-based shelters, a transitional youth home, and frontline service providers to document the impact of free transit for youth experiencing homelessness. The YWL’s Stephanie Begun serves as one of TAP’s faculty mentors. Project findings will be shared here and on Instagram @tapforyouth
