Every two years, Ulster Prevention Council spearheads the Ulster County Youth Development Survey to the youth in Ulster County, ages 9th through 12th grades. Historically, this has been pushed through the schools where students have filled out a short anonymous questionnaire in Scantron form or electronically. The questions asked are regarding substance misuse and mental health challenges in our community.
In order to shift the burden from the school districts, UPC is partnering with the Ulster County Department of Mental Health and enlisting the assistance of our partners to roll out the 2026 Ulster County Youth Prevention Survey.
This is an anonymous survey that is being rolled out to the general public and Ulster County will use this aggregated data to shape shared language and objective information for data-driven decision making. It ensures prevention efforts are aligned, strategic, and responsive to the experiences of our youth. This data also helps us to assess needs in order to direct prevention funding and resources to schools throughout Ulster County.
Ulster County takes an open and evidence-based approach to prevention. We use survey results to determine risk and protective factors and measure a wide variety of behaviors and perceptions within the community. We can then plan accordingly to implement age-specific strategies to affect a positive change.
All Ulster County youth between 9th and 12th grades can share their experience. This vital survey helps inform planning and decision making on a local level. We need to hear from young people about their experiences to understand their needs!
It is easy to participate. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or visit www.ulstercountyny.gov/2026-youth-development-survey
Every survey counts!
