Research Projects
Alongside our research partners (Douglas College, John Howard Society of the North Island (JHNI), McCreary Centre Society and North Island College) we have created a research program that enriches the learning experience of students, while producing community-based, academically rigorous research projects. These projects focus on evaluating youth and adult services, and on understanding youth and adult health.
An evaluation of PLEA’s Raising Hands project which operated from 2017-20 that involved dedicated staff (“Indigenous Navigators”) supporting the cultural and reintegration needs of Indigenous program participants attending our residential treatment programs, as well as when they transitioned out of the programs. The initiative also intended to help build capacity at PLEA to foster cultural sensitivity and safety.
This 2019 report evaluates the incorporation of yoga as a trauma-informed practice for youth participating in drug treatment programs. Youth in PLEA’s Daughters & Sisters program participated in this project which was undertaken by the Yoga Outreach Society and evaluated by the McCreary Centre Society.
In September 2020 PLEA welcomed a team from Inside Out Policy Research to evaluate its Onyxworks program. This research is the second site visit undertaken by the team whose evaluation comes as part of our partnership with Canadian Women’s Foundation, who also provided 5 years for funding to the program.
