Other research projects

In addition to the BC AHS and YTOC study, McCreary conducts other recurring adolescent health surveys, including among young people whose voices may not be heard in a school-based survey, as well as one-time projects exploring special topics.

OTHER McCREARY RESEARCH PROJECTS

AREAS OF FOCUS

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Homeless Youth Health & Wellness Survey

The Homeless Youth Survey (HYS) is a survey of the health and well-being of young people who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing in BC. It is carried out in partnership with community agencies across BC, and young people with lived experience help design the questions, administer the survey, and interpret the findings. 

This report profiles the health of youth who are homeless, precariously housed, or involved in a street lifestyle, and describes not only the challenges in their lives, but also their continued engagement in school and community.

This report analyzes the experiences in nine communities of 762 homeless, inadequately housed, street-involved, and marginalized youth aged 12–18.


This report summarized workshops McCreary facilitated with street-involved and marginalized youth across the province, which provided youth with opportunities to discuss the results of the Against the Odds report and to make recommendations for change.


This report analyzes the experiences in nine B.C. communities of more than 400 homeless, inadequately housed, street-involved, and marginalized Aboriginal youth ages 12 to 18. The report also includes the response to these findings from Aboriginal community members, and calls for increased services.

Youth involved in the justice system

McCreary has led a range of research and engagement projects with young people involved in the justice system in BC, including an adolescent health survey adapted for youth in custody and a workshop to bring back the findings.

In 2022, McCreary Centre Society prepared this report for the Youth and Indigenous Justice Division at the Department of Justice Canada. The report details the results of a project to better understand the needs and challenges facing emerging adults (aged 18-25) within the criminal justice system.

This report is based on interviews with 57 girls aged 13–19 at the Burnaby Youth Custody Centre, following the centralization of custody services in Burnaby.

This report looks at the health and experiences of 114 young people aged 12–19 who were in custody between August 2012 and January 2013. This is McCreary's third survey of youth in custody in BC.

This report summarizes youth's responses to Time Out III, and their ideas for improving the lives of BC youth in conflict with the law.

Youth substance use

McCreary has led and supported youth researchers in various projects related to the health, well-being, and supports for young people experiencing substance use challenges.

Fifty young people with FASD, as well as 55 caregivers and service providers, were interviewed for their perspectives on risks associated with FASD, service barriers, and effective approaches and supports that can reduce the risk of substance use and facilitate youth's healthy transition to adulthood.

Alternative education programs

McCreary has also led research projects on the well-being of students attending alternative education programs, including an adaptation of the BC Adolescent Health Survey.

A review of alternative education programs in BC, involving three hundred thirty-nine youth attending 34 alternative education programs for "at- risk" and "high risk" youth across the province, as well as 62 adult stakeholders.