The Youth Program Assessment Initiative (YPAI) will evaluate how successfully UW led youth programs are implementing the Requirements for University and Third Party Led Youth Programs (APS 10.13).
Background
Since the implementation of APS 10.13 in 2019, OYPC has tracked compliance with the certain components of the policy, but other components have not been assessed. To fill this gap and with input from youth program partners, OYPC developed the Youth Program Assessment Initiative (YPAI), a comprehensive review process to evaluate how successfully programs are implementing all components of the policy.
Goals
Through this assessment, youth programs will be able to:
- Engage in deeper dialog about what it takes to successfully implement APS 10.13 in each unique setting.
- Cultivate a culture of continual improvement and growth mindset that connects University requirements with youth program best practices.
- Reflect on the relevance of the existing policy components and their effectiveness as protective measures for youth; this information may guide policy revisions in the future.
What to expect from the YPAI process
Phases
Programs will undergo a four-phase cycle of ongoing self-evaluation and conversation with OYPC. Each cycle is tracked and completed via the Youth Program Registration System (YPRS). 
Each phase will last one year, beginning October 1 and ending September 30.
During each phase, the youth program will submit information to OYPC via YPRS. (Assessment of programs with a large number of sessions or events will be streamlined using a sampling method.)
In turn, OYPC will provide feedback designed to help the youth program strengthen their practice in the specific policy area. This feedback should be incorporated into program operations and will serve to advance successful implementation of the policy components.
Cohorts
OYPC has devised a cohort model and will do a staggered launch of the YPAI. Each year, we will have a single cohort in each of the four phases which includes one cohort in the “pause” phase.
Each cohort is made up of the youth programs in several colleges/units. Programs within the same college may have shared procedures, manuals, etc. that can be leveraged as a group. Youth programs are encouraged to connect with colleagues to share best practices and consider ways to standardize youth protection practices throughout a college or unit to support continuity across our campuses.
More information about Cohorts
Example Cohort Progression in Phases
Partnerships
UW youth programs in partnership with external organizations should review our YPAI guidance and considerations for youth programs in partnerships with external organizations to learn more about these arrangements and how and when to involve those external organizations in implementation and assessment of UW policy.
Video Orientation
This video is a recording of our online orientation to program directors to learn more about the timeline, goals and structure of this assessment.