The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has funded the administration of the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) since 1990. The IYS is a self-report survey administered in school settings every other year. It is designed to gather information about a variety of health and social indicators including substance use and perceptions, bullying, school climate, nutrition, and physical activity.
The administration of the IYS has two major goals:
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- To supply local data to schools and school districts throughout Illinois. The IYS is available to all eligible public and private schools in the state during even-numbered years at no cost. Each participating school is eligible to receive a report specific to their own students' responses. These local reports provide critical information to school administrators, prevention professionals, and community members as they work to address issues in their communities.
- To provide a scientific estimate of health and social indicators for the state of Illinois. The IYS produces statewide reports based on a random sample representing 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in Illinois public schools.
The IYS delivers local data necessary for grant writing, program development, and strategic planning.