Framework selection tool
A simple checklist for choosing the right framework for a youth, community or place-based decision.
Use carefully: this tool supports thinking and documentation. It does not replace safeguarding, consent, local expertise, professional judgement or evidence review.
Start with the decision
- What decision has to be made?
- Who is affected by the decision?
- What would a useful framework help clarify?
Choose the lens
- Use positive deviance when the question is about uncommon success under similar constraints.
- Use youth participation frameworks when the question is about voice, power and influence.
- Use trusted adult frameworks when the question is about relationships and support.
- Use systems frameworks when the question is about patterns, partnerships and place.
- Use evaluation frameworks when the question is about assumptions, outcomes and learning.
Check the fit
- Does the framework respect local context?
- Can people affected by the work help interpret it?
- What would be an overclaim?
- What source should be cited?