Implementation and effects of a service coordination program for youths and their families in complex situations: A mixed evaluation design

This article reports on some results from the evaluation of Project YIT, a pilot-project (2003-2006) from Québec's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS). The program entailed the implementation of service coordination teams throughout the province, whose purpose was to improve the accessibility and quality of services in complex cases involving youths (0-18 years old). Three aspects of the program were evaluated: team implementation (objective 1), team outcomes (objective 2) and coordination processes (objective 3). The methodological approach combined qualitative and quantitative techniques in three data collection methods (online database, qualitative analysis of four teams, clinical case studies). Results demonstrate that the teams were overall well-implemented and able to produce intended effects. Implications for practitioners, decision-makers and evaluators are discussed.