Together Helping Reduce Youth Violence for Equity (ThrYve): Examining the Development of a Comprehensive Multisectoral Approach to Youth Violence Prevention

Abstract

Comprehensive approaches to youth violence prevention are needed to simultaneously address multiple risk factors across socioecological levels. ThrYve (Together Helping Reduce Youth Violence for Equity) is a collaborative initiative focused on addressing broader factors influencing youth violence, including social determinants of health. Using a participatory approach, the development of ThrYve is examined through an empirical case study. Through a Systems Advisory Board (SAB), ThrYve deploys multiple strategies that support cross- sector collaboration involving over 40 partners across 13 community sectors. Based on the Institute of Medicine- s model for public health action in communities, the SAB identified 87 change levers (i.e., program, policy, practice changes) to support community and systems- level improvements. As a result of the collaborative process, in the first couple of years, ThrYve facilitated 85 community actions and changes across sectors. The changes aligned with identified risk and resilience needs of the youth served in the community. The findings further support prior research, which suggests disparities related to gender may influence risk and resilience factors for youth violence. The study also indicates the importance of continuing to examine academic performance as a factor related to youth resilience.HighlightsThrYve supported cross- sector collaboration involving over 40 partners across 13 community sectors.A total of 87 change levers were identified to support community and systems- level improvements.Additionally, 85 community actions and changes were implemented based on identified needs of youth.ThrYve supports a comprehensive, multicomponent, approach to youth violence prevention.Youth can be meaningfully engaged in community change initiatives through participatory approaches.