Access the YAP Tool

The YAP Tool is free to use following a readiness assessment and a two-day, hands-on virtual training. Read on to learn more and to connect with a certified YAP Tool trainer.

Youth Homelessness Assessment and Prioritization

To gain access to the YAP Tool, organizations must first submit the readiness assessment and then complete the mandatory two-day virtual training. Upon completion of the training, organizations will be given their organizational account allowing them to upload completed assessments.

First Step

Readiness Assessment

Developed to determine organizational or community readiness for adopting the tool.

The assessment has been categorized across five focus areas:

1. Defined need
What steps have you taken to assess your preparedness for adopting the tool?

2. Readiness for implementation
Are the components in place for the YAP Tool to be utilized immediately following the training and certification program?

3. Time/Resources
Do you have the appropriate staff complement to commit to a two-day training and do you have dedicated space to host the training?

4. Sustainability and Quality control
The certification process (ensuring the level of consistency between two assessors participating in the same assessment) and ongoing improvements to the YAP Tool comes with the use of the tool so we want to ensure organizations/communities are prepared to make that commitment.

5. Administration
The online YAP Tool is accompanied by a database that can be utilized and harmonized with existing data systems. Has the organization or system considered how it will be administered?

Results of assessment
The results of the assessment will be shared with the organization or community that completed it. From there, the training process will either be initiated or the YAP team will work directly with you to further increase your readiness.

Second Step

Two-Day Training

The two-day, hands-on virtual training examines the benefits of integrated, strengths-based assessment and balances the theory, key components, and scoring system.

Day 1 breaks down the differences between the components of the YAP Tool as well as the necessary youth-centred approach assessors need to take when administering the assessment.

Day 2 dives into the actual application of the assessment, including focused role play by the trainers, peer to peer role-play, practice with informing the narrative domains and the delivery and documentation requirements. Day two concludes with co-assessors completing an actual assessment with youth and then entering data into the YAP Tool’s online database.

Third Step

Train the Trainer Certification

Designed as a Train-the-Trainer model, those completing the training and then the certification process can then train others in their organization or community on an ongoing and as-needed basis.

To complete the certification, the assessor must complete three full assessments (YAPPS and YAPRS) with a co-assessor and then fulfill the feedback and comparison process. During the assessment, each assessor will share the responsibility for asking questions however they have determined ahead of time. However, they will each take notes to inform their own narrative domains and final summary before they compare their results. Finally, each assessor will complete their portion of a certification form for each of the three assessments and submit this to an assigned expert to provide feedback and recommendations. The purpose of the certification document is to determine consistency and it helps with determining inter-rater reliability. It also aims to flag any potential challenge areas, particularly with the effectiveness and thorough completion of the narrative domains and the final summary of recommendations and referrals. A trained assessor must submit a minimum of 3 completed forms based on 3 separate assessments AND the actual associated completed assessments with identifying information removed. It is recommended that two of the three assessments be completed with a different co-assessor if possible. Based on feedback from the YAP trainer, if successful, train-the-trainer certification is awarded and those certified will be provided with all the resources necessary to complete future training within their identified and approved jurisdiction. From that point on, the use of the tool is free to trainees and their organizations and includes access to the online portal associated with it as well as unlimited support and consultation from the trainers.

Fourth Step

Ongoing Support and Technical Assistance

Includes assessment completion and client support and website functionality and troubleshooting.

Assessment completion and client-related support
The first is support related to completing assessments and the skills and process associated. The YAP trainer assigned to your community or organization will provide whatever assistance is necessary and this is included in the cost of training. These ongoing supports are of no cost to the organization. If the support you are needing cannot be fully addressed by the assigned trainer, WalRhon Psychological and Assessment Services can also be contacted and will provide assistance at no cost. WalRhon can be contacted at any time for help, questions, or anything related to the tool and how to use it by email at walrhon@gmail.com or by phone at 403-894-5565.

Website functionality and troubleshooting
Issues and technical assistance will be addressed by A Way Home Canada in consultations with YAP users. Improvements and changes to the technical end of the website will be done on routine.

Schedule a training

Adopting a youth-focused assessment tool takes careful planning, a focus on organizational readiness, and a willingness to adapt or refocus your practice. Submit the form below and a YAP Tool Trainer will follow up with a readiness assessment for you to complete.