YTD--Focus Group

Focus Groups
As discussed earlier, some focus groups with participants (and potentially their parents)
may be conducted to gain insight into their perspective and experiences with the program.
Focus groups will be short (30-60 minutes) and would include about 7-10 youth. Topics
that will be addressed may include the following:
1. Goals of the youth
Subtopics:
• Post school plans/goals
• Short-term expectations around employment and type of employment
• Who provides the youth with support in setting goals (e.g. family, school
teachers, YTD program staff, etc.)
2. Experiences with the YTD program
Subtopics:
• Which YTD staff did the youth work with
• What activities did the youth participate in (e.g. person-centered planning)
• What services did the program provide (e.g. job development)
• Youths perspective on whether these activities or services were or will be
useful
• What YTD waivers did the youth access
• Youths perspective on whether the waivers were a factor in considering
employment
• Youths perspective on service gaps or challenges associated with
participation in the YTD program
3. Future Plans
Subtopics:
• Long-term expectations related to employment, independence and selfsufficiency
• Role YTD program had in setting those expectations