Opioid Affected Youth Initiative Training and Technical Assistance

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (OAYI) serves as a leading resource for communities impacted by opioids and substance use disorders through a data-driven approach grounded in a commitment to improving public health and safety. The goal of training and technical assistance (TTA) is to build the capacity and effectiveness of OJJDP OAYI grantees and communities across the nation to develop and implement programs and strategies that address the opioid epidemic. As the TTA provider, the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) will continue to expand the footprint of the OAYI network by supporting OJJDP-awarded sites in their efforts to reduce the impact of opioids and substance use disorders in communities across the country; collaborating with subject-matter experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders to provide a tailored TTA approach that meets the needs of project sites; building the capacity of grantees and their communities to implement coordinated responses; and increasing awareness to reduce stigma and advance opportunities for underserved communities.

IIR will meet the needs of the initiative by continuing to implement advanced coordination and management processes, including providing guidance on project planning, implementation, and management through customized TTA support; engaging practitioners in information sharing and relationship building; enhancing the OAYI website; developing and disseminating cross-site resources and tools to support comprehensive responses; and establishing an OAYI Youth Advisory Board.  

IIR’s comprehensive approach to identifying and employing promising, innovative, and effective practices and strategies for addressing the impact of opioids and substance use disorders will ensure that TTA is results-oriented, meets the goals of the initiative, and best supports impacted youth and families.

The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (OAYI) serves as a leading resource for communities impacted by opioids and substance use disorders (SUDs) through a data-driven approach grounded in a commitment to improving public health and safety. The goal of the training and technical assistance (TTA) provided through OAYI is to build the capacity and effectiveness of Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) OAYI grantees and communities across the nation to develop and implement programs and strategies that address the opioid epidemic and its negative impact on youth. As the current TTA provider, the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) will continue to expand and elevate the OAYI program by supporting OJJDP-awarded sites to reduce the impact of opioids and SUDs in communities across the country; collaborating with subject-matter experts and stakeholders to provide a tailored TTA approach that meets the needs of project sites; building the capacity of grantees and their communities to implement coordinated responses; implementing strategies and services to address public safety concerns; reducing stigma; and incorporating harm reduction strategies for children, youth, and families directly impacted by opioids and other drug misuse.

The goal of this Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (OAYI) training and technical assistance (TTA) cooperative agreement is to build the capacity and effectiveness of Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) OAYI grantees and communities across the nation to develop and implement programs and strategies that address the opioid epidemic and its negative impact on youth. Utilizing a catalog of wide-ranging TTA strategies, the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR)’s OAYI TTA team will continue to strengthen the professional knowledge of OAYI grantees, practitioners, first responders, and support professionals by developing, implementing, and enhancing TTA materials and activities based on best practices for addressing the opioid epidemic. They will help OJJDP identify promising, innovative, sustainable, and effective programs and strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic and other substance-related misuse, focusing on youth and families. IIR will continue to enhance its comprehensive OAYI TTA model and strive to elevate the OAYI TTA program nationally by centralizing its efforts in the following three program areas: grantee engagement, national engagement and youth engagement.