IVROP: Relationships, Education, Advancement, and Development for Youth for Life (READY4Life) Study

This study was in response to Grant Number HHS-2020-ACF-OFA-ZD-1838 from the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Study enrollment began on June 2021, and continued through February 2024. The sample size for the study was 1054. This descriptive evaluation focuses on the association between the ReadyforLIFE program and outcomes related to healthy relationships and financial well-being among youth in Imperial County. The aim of the ReadyforLIFE program was to support the development of healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships among youth in the Imperial Valley region of California. Primary research questions for this study are as follows: a) What is the level of healthy relationship attitude scores immediately following ReadyforLIFE primary services, as compared to baseline scores? b) What is the level of healthy relationship behavior scores one year after enrollment into ReadyforLIFE primary services, as compared to baseline scores? c) What is the level of healthy financial attitude scores immediately following ReadyforLIFE primary services, as compared to baseline scores? d) What is the level of healthy financial behavior scores one year after enrollment into ReadyforLIFE primary services, as compared to baseline scores? Participants in the study resided in the Imperial Valley region of California. The average age of participants was 15.20 and half of the participants were male. 69% of the participants reported not having a boyfriend/girlfriend. 44% of participants were white. At 93%, most participants reported their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino. Paired t-tests were conducted on continuous constructs using timepoint 1 (nFORM Entrance, OLLE Pre) and timepoint 2 (nFORM Exit, OLLE Post, OLLE Follow-Up) data. For categorical variables—such as yes/no questions about having a checking or savings account or a resume—McNemar’s chi-square tests were used to compare pre- to post-test differences in proportions. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and no adjustments for multiple comparisons were made. Tests were reported in terms of p-values. The results show that participation in ReadyforLIFE is associated with some short-term improvements in healthy relationship attitudes; however, one year later, we found no lasting association between program participation and healthy relationship behaviors. Regarding financial outcomes, we saw the opposite phenomenon: no significant association between ReadyforLIFE and short-term healthy financial attitudes; however, we did find some long-term improvements in healthy financial behaviors at the one-year mark.