Evaluating the Shopping Aisles for Emotional Needs (SAFEN) Assessment: Promoting the Emotional Health Needs of Children and Youth

This creative thesis consists of a preliminary evaluation of SAFEN (Shopping Aisles for Emotional Needs), a self-assessment design for youth. SAFEN engages youth in identifying their internalizing feelings, strengths, needs, and wants through a "metaphorical shopping experience" in which they pick from items within 10 Domains, referred to as "aisles". Three central questions guided the research: Can SAFEN be used as a tool to identify the needs of youth living in contexts of risk? 2. Does SAFEN provide a feasible framework for youths' expression of their emotional needs? 3. Can SAFEN, contribute to more understanding and caring relationships between youths and the service providers working with them? The Shopping Aisles for Emotional Needs (SAFEN) was administered to 21 youth participants of the Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services (youth division), 16 females 5 males, between the ages of 13-17 years old.