Community Youth Surveys

Communities often choose to administer surveys to specific grades or age groups as a way to collect information on risky behaviors and protective factors. In Greater Lowell, communities are currently choosing to use either the Communities That Care Youth Survey or the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Continue to read to learn more about the youth surveys that are administered in our communities.

Communities that Care Youth Survey (CTCYS)

The Communities That Care Youth Survey (CTCYS) was created to identify risk and protective factors related to potential problem behaviors, like the underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs). In addition, the CTCYS also identifies the positive behaviors and support systems that can safeguard a child from engaging in problem behaviors.

The CTCYS is overseen by the United States Government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This youth community survey is a questionnaire for use by schools and community coalitions that uses the risk and protective factor model approach to assess youth problem behaviors, such as violence, delinquency, school dropout and substance abuse.

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) was created to identify risky health-related behaviors that could lead to disability among youth and young adults. Risky behaviors include inadequate physical activity, unhealthy dietary choices, and use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

The YRBSS is overseen by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This youth community survey is a questionnaire for use by schools and community coalitions that uses the risk and protective factor model approach to assess youth problem behaviors, such as violence, delinquency, school dropout and substance abuse.

To learn more about the YRBSS, click here