ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Facilitating participation is part of the mandate of open child and youth work. This also means youths have a voice in the development of youth center offerings. The participatory health research approach can support accomplishing this mandate. OBJECTIVES: As a consequence of the municipal youth congress's demand for more autonomy so-called "Autonomous Openings" (AO) - the opening of youth centers by the youths themselves and spending their time independently - were implemented in Braunschweig, Germany. Participatory research methods were used to scientifically support the center's youths and professionals in evaluating the AOs. This paper reports on one of three contributing youth centers. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: After each AO the adolescents reflected on their experiences by filling in a questionnaire jointly developed by researchers and professionals. The survey was accessible via the digital tool "Mentimeter". The professionals' perspective was captured in interviews. Topics such as revealing one's personal interests and the development of competencies were the main interest. The gathered data was assessed by the researchers and reflected upon together with youths and professionals during a workshop. RESULTS: Ten AOs took place throughout a period of ten months. Five adolescents were preliminary responsible and about another 20 were co-responsible. The results show that young people revealed their own interests more substantially. Moreover, the professionals observed a strengthening of competencies in various fields. Several factors were identified that can facilitate transferability to other youth centers. Reliable relationships that enable a trusting and equal exchange between professionals and youths are essential.
