Youth

Adolescence is an important time for promoting health and preventing disease; one that is sometimes overlooked. Most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents,1 who are between the ages of 10 and 19, are generally healthy. In recent years, the United States has seen declines in sexual risk behaviors, teen births, …

Adolescence is the developmental transition to adulthood that includes rapid changes in the brain and body, often at different rates and is a time for healthy exploration of identity and learning independence. It can also be a stressful or challenging for teens because of these rapid changes. Although every adult …

The environments that surround adolescents contribute to their health and wellbeing both directly and indirectly. A clear way to look at all these influences is through the social-ecological model, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, which is often used within public health and human service settings to help explain an issue or …

The experience of adolescence can vary greatly depending on several factors such as family and community, race/ethnicity, and poverty. Adolescents who face multiple adversities over time can experience negative effects on their learning, behavior, social interactions, and health into adulthood.1 Therefore, understanding the lifelong effects of adversities and the differences …

Adolescent Decision-Making Call for Research In 2019 the American Institutes for Research (AIR) issued a Call for Manuscript Proposals for work on an initiative funded under a contract issued by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) to support the work of the Interagency Working Group …

School-age children and youth spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside of school, while 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are alone after the school day ends.1 High-quality afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a safe space where youth can explore their potential. Effective afterschool …

AI/AN youth aged 15-25 face serious health disparities in multiple areas, including suicide, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and substance abuse.1 In 2010, nearly 30 percent of AI/ANs lacked health insurance and relied solely on the Indian Health Service (IHS), and currently only one in five AI/ANs have access to the …

This page provides a continually-updated list of tools, guides, and resources to assist teachers, school staff, youth, parents, and youth-serving organizations in caring for and supporting children who have an incarcerated parent. Stay tuned to this page for additional new resources as they become available. NEW! See Us, Support Us Youth …

Adolescence is an important time for promoting health and preventing disease; one that is sometimes overlooked. Most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents,1 who are between the ages of 10 and 19, are generally healthy. In recent years, the United States has seen declines in sexual risk behaviors, teen births, …

Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid …

Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid …

Rates Volunteering and Civic Life in America, 2014 shows that 62.6 million Americans volunteered 7.7 billion hours in 2014 — holding an estimated value of $173 billion. Seventeen percent of respondents reported mentoring youth, and 19 percent reported tutoring or teaching young people. Many of the nation’s volunteers are young …

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that connects academic curriculum to community problem-solving. Today, elementary, middle, high, and postsecondary schools across the nation participate in service-learning with the support of federal, state, district, and foundation funding. Studies show that, in the past, more than 4 million students from more …

The reported incidence of teen dating violence varies significantly across studies, yet even with variation the known prevalence rates establish it as a serious problem in the United States. The different rates of prevalence may be a result of differences in the methodology, the definitions, and/or in the targeted population …

The ultimate goal of education about youth violence is to stop teen dating violence before it begins. During the preteen and teen years, young people are learning the skills they need to form positive, healthy relationships with others, and it is therefore an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and …

Youth with disabilities need what all youth need, including school-based preparatory experiences and other opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. While youth with disabilities should set and manage their own goals, they can experience many challenges in accessing and participating in education due to external barriers like stereotypes, low …

Transitioning from School to Employment As a student approaches the time to leave high school, it is important that preparations for adult life are well underway. For youth with disabilities, as with all youth, the transition from school to adulthood is an important time to prepare for future employment and …

There are 42 million adolescents in the U.S., which make up more than 13 percent of the U.S. population.1 It is important to collect data on adolescents so changes in health outcomes and behaviors (positive and negative) can be tracked. With this information, practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers can respond accordingly …

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG) is a national call to action to improve adolescent health in the United States. TAG calls upon organizations and individuals to prioritize activities that can support the health and healthy development of all of America’s 42 million adolescents. About TAG Learn about the goals …

Youth with disabilities who receive services from the social service system (e.g., foster care, juvenile justice) are at an even greater risk for negative outcomes.1 They frequently have multiple stresses to face while also transitioning into adulthood. The repeated exposure to stress and risk factors requires special attention when developing and …

Based on the statistics it is clear that all youth are at risk for being involved in traffic-related crashes. Some factors such as age, experience, gender, and personality increase this risk. Age and Experience Developmental research suggests that teen drivers do not always realize the consequences of their actions because areas …

Teens, particularly those with risk-taking personalities, are disproportionately at risk for motor vehicle crashes. Research further shows that certain situations and environmental factors or actions increase the chance that a teen will be injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash. Most of the factors listed below are not unique …

The teen driver safety record in the United States has improved over recent years. Yet the United States’ decline still lags behind many other countries that had similar traffic death rates approximately twenty years ago. For example, death rates in Australia, Canada, and France have been reduced by as much …

Afterschool programs (sometimes called OST or Out-of-School Time programs) serve children and youth of all ages. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas including academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, arts, sports and recreation, apprenticeships, workforce development programs, and programs for opportunity youth (i.e., youth not in schools …

A high-quality workforce is essential to providing afterschool programs that lead to positive outcomes for children and youth. The afterschool workforce includes a diverse group of afterschool workers, youth workers, credentialed teachers, social workers and other professionals, with varying levels of education and experience. The workforce is generally well-educated. Two-thirds …

Afterschool programs (sometimes called OST or Out-of-School Time programs) serve children and youth of all ages. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas including academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, arts, sports and recreation, apprenticeships, workforce development programs, and programs for opportunity youth (i.e., youth not in schools …

Afterschool programs are well-positioned to promote health and nutrition among young people because these programs: Serve many groups of children most at risk for being overweight, specifically minorities and those in poverty Occur during a time of day when children are likely to be sedentary if not given active options …

Starting an afterschool program can be a difficult task, particularly in areas where funding and support are scarce. It needs a combination of research and planning; developing program vision mission, design, and continuous improvement systems; workforce development; licensing; policies; and protocols; and risk management. It also highlights the importance of …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation has developed a set of graphics to demonstrate the changes in employment and labor force participation among youth ages 16 to 24 during COVID-19. Updated 6/16/21. Download the chart descriptions (PDF, 4 pages).    

Download the resource list (PDF, 4 pages). Online Communities & Resources Sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor, WorkforceGPS provides workforce professionals, educators, and business leaders curated communities of interest, useful training resources, promising practices, and evidenced-based research. Summer Jobs Community of Practice provides …

What are the key competencies and foundational skills for successful workers? Many skills are necessary for individuals to be successful workers, including academic knowledge, technical expertise, and general, cross-cutting abilities (often called employability skills, soft skills, workforce readiness skills, or career readiness skills) that are necessary for success in all …

Afterschool activities can vary widely depending on factors including age, background, and the community of participating youth. Research on afterschool programming finds that the most effective activities adapt to individual and small group needs. Furthermore, programming should be as engaging as possible, incorporating hands-on activities and connecting with students’ interests …

Not only do more teens than adults keep dating violence a secret, the majority of teen victims never obtain mental health services, seek protection in shelters, or pursue legal help, such as cases against abusers and protection orders.1 Access issues contribute to the lower rate of pursuing legal recourse among …

Data suggest a close link between educational attainment and employment outcomes. Table 1 illustrates the relationship among level of education attained, unemployment rate, and median weekly earnings. Higher education does not relate just to higher earnings. The Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University projects that as of …

Finding a job can be a challenge for youth. They must determine what careers are available, what their interests are, and what skills they have or need to develop. Numerous resources are available to help youth get a sense of their interest and skills as well as gain employment experience …

Opportunities to Explore Careers in the Civil Service Federal agencies provide youth with a variety of opportunities to explore careers in the federal government and develop and learn skills necessary for employment through the Pathways Programs. Students can follow one of three paths depending on where they are in their …

Although efforts have been taken to help improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, research continues to suggest that youth with disabilities are less likely than their nondisabled peers to graduate from high school, attend and complete four-year colleges and universities, and be employed.1 Guideposts for Transitions Through an extensive …

Although federal law does not mandate work permits for youth, child labor rules limit how many hours a youth can work, when a youth can work, and in which jobs a youth can work. The rules vary depending on the youth’s age.1 States also have different rules and regulations.2 Click …

Special populations of expectant and parenting young families have unique needs that can affect how they should receive services. The following special populations are more likely to be underserved and vulnerable to negative health and well-being outcomes for themselves and their child. The services provided to these expectant and parenting …

Depending on the type of program and services provided, afterschool programs can access many of the Federal funding resources that support youth. Below, we provide detailed information on the largest federal funding sources that support afterschool programs. To search for specific Federal funding opportunities visit our grants.gov search. Many states …

Though slow to gain recognition as a policy and health concern, teen dating violence has recently gained more recognition as a pressing social problem in the United States. For example, in 2006, the first National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week was held. This nationwide initiative was designed to increase public …

Description of Family Engagement at the Service Level Family engagement is essential in promoting positive child and youth outcomes in education, mental health, health, child welfare, and juvenile justice. These key child and youth serving systems are incorporating practices, policies and processes within their agencies to strengthen and implement meaningful …

Description of Family Engagement and Collaboration at the System Level Family engagement is most likely to gain traction at the system level when top leadership values and promotes family partnership, and develops policies to support family engagement as a core strategy that’s essential to the organization’s mission and goals. Family …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, there were roughly 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the U.S., representing approximately 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population.1 This represents an 18 percent increase since the last decennial census. Of this group, more than 2.1 million …

The Importance of Research on Family Engagement Research has shown that meaningful family engagement positively impacts youth outcomes across various domains. Parental involvement in education has been extensively studied for decades with less attention paid to the degree of involvement in other systems. More recently, studies have focused on the …

Individual Level Components At the individual level, youth-serving personnel can promote family and community engagement across six key dimensions:1, 2 Parenting: Build families’ knowledge and leadership to understand positive youth development and to provide home environments that support their children’s health, social, and academic success at every age. Communication: Communicate …

For youth-serving organizations — including schools and school districts — to effectively support family and community engagement, the support of federal, state, tribal, and local policymakers is needed.1 Create infrastructure for leadership: Ensure the appropriate systems are in place to develop, implement, and coordinate the key components of family and …

Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships The U.S. Department of Education released Partners in Education: A Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships (PDF, 32 pages) for schools and their surrounding communities to serve as a model to build the kind of community engagement that will make schools the center of …

youth.gov strives to identify resources that families and agencies can use to build and strengthen family engagement in schools and communities. The resources featured below are organized according to key topics of special interest. Youth Experiencing Homelessness Commentary: A Provider Perspective on Supporting Parents Who Are Homeless This article provides …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, there were roughly 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the U.S., representing approximately 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population.1 This represents an 18 percent increase since the last decennial census. Of this group, more than 2.1 million …

The prevention efforts targeted at limiting youth involvement in gangs is integral to promoting optimal individual and community well-being, specifically in those areas that are susceptible to gang activity. In recent years there has been an emphasis placed on evaluating gang prevention programs to discern effective approaches and providing a …

In the 2009-2010 school year, 939,903 youth in public schools were homeless as defined by the Department of Education. This was a 41 percent increase from the 2006-2007 school year. The most often reported living situation for homeless youth was sharing a house due to the loss of housing because …

Youth who run away or experience homelessness have higher rates of alcohol and drug use than their peers. These differences are especially apparent for illicit drug use1 and are higher for youth on the street compared to those in shelters.2 According to the 2003 FYSB data, 23.5 percent of homeless …

Runaway and homeless youth experience negative physical and reproductive health consequences as a result of their experiences and face a range of barriers in accessing health care. As a result, homeless youth are less likely to have access to medical care.1 Health Homeless youth face higher rates of chronic health …

It is important to recognize that cultural customs among AI/AN groups may vary significantly, even within a single community. Some reservations are home to multiple bands or tribes due to federal policies, which voluntarily or forcibly relocated bands, and tribes. Thus, within and amongst reservations, cultural differences exist, including language, …

The 2010 Opening Doors Strategic Plan to end homelessness developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness suggests that there are six areas that are consistently identified as necessary to address and prevent youth homelessness. These include the following: Individualized goal-based service planning Ongoing support services connected to mainstream …

This request for reviewers invites qualified applicants to serve as grant reviewers for a range of FYSB programs benefiting youth and families. 

Tribal child welfare has a unique history. In the past century, thousands of Indian children were forcibly removed from their tribes and placed in boarding schools where forced assimilation left them unable to speak their Native language or participate in their culture. Indian children grew to adulthood without the benefit …

Nearly all young people—98.6 percent—hold at least one job between the ages of 18 and 25.1 The average young person holds 6.3 jobs between 18 and 25.2 Some work part-time or summers only, while others see full-time permanent employment as their path to economic independence. Employment can be beneficial for …

Some children and youth become involved with the juvenile justice system because they are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act. Other youth come into contact with the system for status offenses—actions that are illegal only because of a youth’s age—such as truancy, underage drinking, and running away from …

What are Risk and Protective Factors? A risk factor is anything that increases the probability that a person will suffer harm. A protective factor is something that decreases the potential harmful effect of a risk factor.1 In the context of youth involved or at risk of involvement with the juvenile …

Typically, juvenile delinquency follows a trajectory similar to that of normal adolescent development. In other words, children and youth tend to follow a path toward delinquent and criminal behavior rather than engaging randomly.1Research has shown that there are two types of delinquents, those in whom the onset of severe antisocial …

There are many steps community partners, families, and others can take to positively impact youth both before and after they have come into contact with the juvenile justice system. There are distinct points in the juvenile justice process at which communities and agencies can intervene in the lives of youth …

“Behavioral health” is an umbrella term that includes issues and services related to both mental health and substance use. This section synthesizes information relevant to these two areas. Mental Health and Suicide As the Institute of Medicine has noted, LGBT youth are typically well adjusted and mentally healthy.1 However, they …

Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) enter the child welfare system for reasons similar to those of other children and youth—that is, their birth families cannot provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home. In some cases, families reject, neglect, or abuse young people when they …

Homelessness is a devastating experience that has a significant negative impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, well-being, functioning, human development, and life trajectory—and LGBT runaway and homeless youth are at high risk for a number of negative experiences and outcomes.1 Recent studies, as well as anecdotal evidence from …

The majority of AI/AN youth, an estimated 93 percent, attend public schools, while approximately seven percent attend Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools. Additionally, Native students are more likely to attend rural schools.1 AI/AN youth have fewer successful educational outcomes than the general population by nearly all measures. Among AI/AN …

LGBT youth represent at least 13 percent of the total detained population in the juvenile justice system.1 Some LGBT youth become involved in the system for violating laws for reasons unrelated to their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Others may become involved through pathways that are associated with their sexual …

Some LGBT youth experience supportive, welcoming school environments where they are physically and emotionally safe and their LGBT identity is respected, or even embraced. Others may experience unwelcoming, unsafe, and unsupportive conditions in schools. Research has found that LGBT youth are more likely to experience stress and fear in school …

Click to Enlarge Most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, yet one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder that is associated with severe role impairment and/or distress (11.2 percent with mood disorders, 8.3 percent with anxiety disorders, and 9.6 …

As youth grow and reach their developmental competencies, there are contextual variables that promote or hinder the process. These are frequently referred to as protective and risk factors. The presence or absence and various combinations of protective and risk factors contribute to the mental health of youth. Identifying protective and …

The terms mental health promotion and prevention have often been confused. Promotion is defined as intervening to optimize positive mental health by addressing determinants of positive mental health before a specific mental health problem has been identified, with the ultimate goal of improving the positive mental health of the population. …

In the United States, 75 to 80 percent of children and youth in need of mental health services do not receive them.1 This can be for a variety of reasons, including discrimination and negative attitudes attached to seeking help for mental health issues, cultural beliefs and practices, access to services/supports, …

Roles of Mentors The roles of mentors vary greatly depending on the type, focus, structure, and participants. Mentors’ roles may also differ over the course of the relationship. These roles may include acting as a role model, a supporter or cheerleader, a policy enforcer, an advocate, and/or a friend. Formal …

Mentoring is often one component of a program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees. Benefits for youth: Increased …

Native Americans have a higher poverty and unemployment rate, compared with the national average.1 In 2007, 12 percent of AI/ANs aged 16 and older were unemployed, a rate much higher than other population groups in the U.S.2 More than one in three AI/AN children live in poverty.3 The U.S. Department …

Nearly all young people—98.6 percent—hold at least one job between the ages of 18 and 25.1 The average young person holds 6.3 jobs between 18 and 25.2 Some work part-time or summers only, while others see full-time permanent employment as their path to economic independence. Employment can be beneficial for …

Research focused on mentoring and mentoring programs is still relatively new (DuBois, Doolittle, Yates, Silverthorn, & Tebes, 2006) and findings seem to suggest that many factors influence the success of the mentoring program and the mentor-mentee relationship. Cavell et al. (2009) state that “Good intentions and a ready corps of …

Established in January 2014, the National Mentoring Resource Center is a resource for mentoring tools, program and training materials, as well as access to no-cost training and technical assistance. The goal of the National Mentoring Resource Center is to improve the quality and effectiveness of mentoring across the country by …

This section on prevalence reviews data from before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also provide up-to-date data related to opportunity youth as it becomes available. Find information on current youth employment data during the pandemic. It is important to understand who has been considered at risk of …

The previous section on the prevalence of opportunity youth highlighted that certain groups of youth and young adults face a greater risk of becoming disconnected from work and school. This section explores why some groups are more vulnerable than others and more likely to become disconnected (risk factors), while also …

For all individuals, education is an important aspect to being able to gain and maintain employment and to being able to support oneself, and potentially one’s family. Opportunity youth are much less likely to earn a high school or college diploma than their connected peers.[1] Disconnected youth are nine times …

A significant way that opportunity youth can be engaged in their communities is through the workforce. Engagement in the workforce, including apprenticeships, not only benefits the youth individually but also their community. Youth disconnect from the workforce is a complex issue, however there are several practical strategies that can be …

Engaging opportunity youth and former opportunity youth as leaders in research and programming provides many benefits. First, this type of engagement can connect opportunity youth with more experience in developing their leadership skills, while also making positive connections with adults. Second, involving opportunity youth as leaders can help inform development …

Federal Initiatives The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a community-based program that leads, trains, and mentors young people between the ages of 16 and 18 who are unemployed and have left school, so that they may become productive citizens in America’s future. Results from a three year evaluation showed that ChalleNGe participants are …

American Indian youth are over-represented in state and federal juvenile justice systems and Indian youth in the system are more likely to face harsher treatment in the most restrictive environments. AI/AN youth are 50 percent more likely than White youth to receive the most punitive measures, including pepper spray, restraint, …

PYD can be integrated into any youth development program. First and foremost, all youth-serving organizations should work toward assuring that young people have the chance to engage in positive relationships and interactions that can help them develop into healthy and productive adults. PYD strategies also include providing youth with access …

Having a parent in prison can have an impact on a child’s mental health, social behavior, and educational prospects.1 The emotional trauma that may occur and the practical difficulties of a disrupted family life can be compounded by the social stigma that children may face as a result of having a …

Youth in the United States represent many different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. The issues faced by these youth are also diverse. PYD can assist and benefit the youth service providers and public health programming by identifying diverse circumstances to better understand the needs of youth. Examples of these issues include …

Youth involvement can benefit organizations and their programs as well as the youth themselves. Programs that are developed in partnership with youth are more likely to be effective at engaging the population and, therefore, to have a greater impact. Involving youth as partners in making decisions that affect them increases …

Having a parent in prison can have an impact on a child’s mental health, social behavior, and educational prospects.1 The emotional trauma that may occur and the practical difficulties of a disrupted family life can be compounded by the social stigma that children may face as a result of having a …

PYD programs engage young people in intentional, productive, and constructive ways while recognizing and enhancing their strengths. These programs promote positive outcomes by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and giving the support that is needed to develop young people’s assets and prevent risky behaviors. Research indicates that young people who …

Schools and youth-serving programs can provide key venues for youth to learn about disaster preparedness and response. Research suggests that trainings focused on disaster preparedness can result in behavior changes, and that youth who are prepared are more confident and feel empowered during an actual emergency.1 Further, youth involved in …

Understanding trauma and how traumatic events can affect young people is essential when promoting recovery and resilience and ensuring that young people are not retraumatized through experiences with human service systems. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a working definition of trauma: Individual trauma results …

Being educated about disasters and how they affect youth and adults, developing a plan, practicing the implementation of the plan in authentic and organized ways, and ensuring you have the supplies to support your family in the event of an emergency is a crucial part of disaster preparedness for families. …

Many youth spend a significant amount of time outside their homes. They spend their days at schools, in community programs, and at recreational facilities, which are responsible for their temporary care until they are reunited with their families. Schools and programs also often provide additional services for youth, including health …

Recovering from a disaster takes time and is a gradual process. The National Disaster Recovery Framework (PDF, 116) provides nationwide guidance and supports States, Tribes, and local jurisdictions with recovery efforts through a flexible structure that encourages a unified and collaborative approach. Key aspects of recovery efforts for youth include …

Although definitions of school climate vary, a comprehensive Safe Supportive Schools measurement model developed by the U.S. Department of Education, based on listening sessions and consultation with researchers and practitioners, reflects the most common concepts. This model includes three main components of school climate: Engagement, Safety, and Environment. The figure …

Working to improve school climate is challenging and takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes building supportive and safe environments and policies and working to support student and adult social, emotional, and behavioral capacity to create a safe, engaging, and supportive school community.1 For example, Safe and Supportive Schools grantees, which …

In creating positive school climates for all students, educators may face the challenging task of reconciling various priorities.  On one hand, schools must create safe environments that are free of bullying, harassment, violence, threats, and disruptive behaviors that interrupt learning.  When students engage in threatening and disruptive behaviors, schools must …

Evaluating the prevalence rates of substance use, abuse, and dependence is important because these rates document patterns of problems among youth. Alcohol Alcohol use among youth is more widespread than use of tobacco or illicit drugs. While alcohol use has been gradually declining among youth since the 1980s, and reached …

Research shows that the risk for substance abuse and other adverse behaviors increases as the number of risk factors increases, and that protective factors may reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use that can lead to substance abuse. This interactive effect of risk and protective factors has substantial …

Elements of Effective Prevention Programs There is a multitude of effective substance abuse prevention interventions that may have different areas of focus and can be implemented in a variety of settings. Interventions can involve the family, school, and community and may provide substance abuse prevention for an individual or a …

Sixty percent of children and youth are victims of or witnesses to sexual violence, physical violence, intimate partner violence, or community violence in their homes, schools, and communities.1 Further, almost 40 percent of these children have been exposed to more than one form of violence, and 10 percent have experienced five …

Elements of Effective Treatment Programs Evidence suggests that successful early intervention and treatment carries significant benefits for individuals and society. Despite the fact that there is no single treatment approach that works for everyone, standard treatments have been shown to produce significant decreases in substance abuse and in substance-related problems.1 …

Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin (an illegal substance) and prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin), and morphine, which are legal when prescribed by a licensed health care provider. Opioid misuse occurs when a person uses heroin or misuses prescription pain relievers. …

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting, significant effects on youth, families, peers, and communities. The causes of suicide among youth are complex and involve many factors. Reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors and resilience is critical.1 Knowing the warning signs is also critical. Warning …

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the nation’s teenagers.1 Approximately one out of every 15 high school students reports attempting suicide each year.2 For some groups of youth—including those who are involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; American Indian/Alaska …

Agencies in the federal government are aligned in efforts to prevent human trafficking, to protect victims and provide them health and human services, and to prosecute offenders and bring traffickers to justice. Through collaboration and partnerships, agencies have developed tools, trainings, and resources to raise awareness about the problem and …

For some youth, the transition to adulthood presents a number of challenges in meeting their basic needs. They may not be able to find employment that offers health benefits, no longer be included in their parents’ insurance, or have become too old to qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP. Finding safe, …

Moving toward independence presents youth aged 16 to 24 with a number of opportunities — and challenges. The stakes are high for this age group; 16- to 24-year-olds are forging pathways to postsecondary education, training, and employment, and for youth with additional challenges, these transitions are even more difficult. Education …

The Federal Interagency Task Force for Drug Endangered Children defines drug-endangered children in this way: A drug endangered child is a person, under the age of 18, who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs, including pharmaceuticals, are illegally used, possessed, trafficked, diverted, and/or manufactured and, as …

The disruption of family relationships when parents are incarcerated can have a serious impact on children and youth, with consequences sometimes including temporary or permanent removal from the home. Although the number of children and youth placed in foster care as a result of their parent’s incarceration is not clearly …

To counteract potential negative outcomes as a result of the experience of children of incarcerated parents,1 it is important that communities create a coordinated system of supports for children of prisoners and their incarcerated parents. In addition to the targeted supports related to traumatic experiences; exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol; …

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) within the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) provides information and resources on child support to help address questions that incarcerated parents and other parents have. Resources April 2019 Child Support Report (PDF, 10 pages) This special edition of the Child Support Report provides resources …

Avoiding Overdraft Fees Customers have a choice when their banking accounts become overdrawn. This website from the FDIC provides tools to support positive banking habits. Building Blocks to Help Youth Achieve Financial Capability The report presents a new evidence-based developmental model for supporting financial capability and provides strategies for supporting …

The Benefits and Importance of Using YPAR with Youth with Incarcerated Parents On September 21, 2020, the Federal Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs hosted the webinar, The Benefits and Importance of Using YPAR with Youth with Incarcerated Parents. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is an approach in which researchers …

In June 2016, the federal government hosted a listening session with youth from across the country who have or have had an incarcerated parent. The listening session brought together 19 youth, ages 15 to 23, with a diverse range of experiences to discuss the challenges they had during their parent’s …

National service refers to programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs and initiatives. Participants in these programs address community needs in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, the environment, health, and veterans and military families. Rates Since 1994, 1 million individuals have served 1.4 billion hours in AmeriCorps and have earned $3.3 billion …

Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise.1 Unfortunately, teen dating violence—the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship—is a serious problem in the United States. A national survey found that ten percent of …

Preventing youth involvement in gangs is an important issue. Compared to non-gang members, gang members commit a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and offenses across the country. Gangs and gang involvement result in short- and long-term negative outcomes for gang-involved youth, their friends and families, and the surrounding communities.1 Gangs …

Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise.1 Unfortunately, teen dating violence—the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship—is a serious problem in the United States. A national survey found that ten percent of …

Preventing youth involvement in gangs is an important issue. Compared to non-gang members, gang members commit a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and offenses across the country. Gangs and gang involvement result in short- and long-term negative outcomes for gang-involved youth, their friends and families, and the surrounding communities.1 Gangs …

Respect for both oneself and others is a key characteristic of healthy relationships. In contrast, in unhealthy relationships, one partner tries to exert control and power over the other physically, sexually, and/or emotionally. Healthy Relationships Healthy relationships share certain characteristics that teens should be taught to expect. They include: Mutual …

With technological innovations and increased access to technology, youth are more likely to own and use cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices than ever before. Increased access to technology has benefits, but it also increases the risk of abuse. There is growing concern about electronic aggression—or cyberbullying—defined as any …

Both boys and girls experience and perpetrate teen dating violence; often teens report that both partners committed aggressive acts during the relationship.1 Studies focused on the rates of teen dating violence by gender have had inconsistent results. While some studies have found girls to be victims of teen dating violence …

Certain factors may increase teens’ risk of experiencing and perpetrating teen dating violence. A number of studies have looked at the relationship between teen dating violence and community, family, peer, and individual risk factors. A lack of longitudinal data and a reliance on self-report data limits the causal connections that …

Young parents and their children make up a significant portion of families experiencing homelessness. About 25 percent of youth served in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Runaway and Homeless Youth Transitional Living Programs are pregnant/parenting,1 and about 27 percent of families in emergency shelters in the U.S. …

As teens develop emotionally, they are heavily influenced by their relationship experiences. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s emotional development. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships may contribute to negative consequences. Research focused on the consequences of teen dating violence have similar limitations as those focused …

National Extranet Optimized Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (NEO-RHYMIS) NEO-RHYMIS, maintained by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), provides a revised version of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS). New services include data reporting by its grantee agencies. NEO-RHYMIS provides the user community and …

Victims of teen dating violence often keep the abuse a secret. They should be encouraged to reach out to trusted adults like parents, teachers, school counselors, youth advisors, or health care providers. They can also seek confidential counsel and advice from professionally trained adults and peers. Resources for teens involved …

Youth under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act are typically processed through a juvenile justice system1. While similar to that of the adult criminal justice system in many ways—processes include arrest, detainment, petitions, hearings, adjudications, dispositions, placement, probation, and reentry—the juvenile justice …

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free, web-based courses. Courses identify problems and risk factors, screening and assessment tools, prevention and intervention strategies, tools for clients, and legal issues surrounding interpersonal violence. Various courses offer …

Disabilities can be an important part of a young person’s identity and can contribute to their life in many ways. These identities shape how young people with disabilities foster their strengths, interests, and diverse perspectives on the world around them. At the same time, youth with physical, mental, intellectual, and/or …

Disabilities can be an important part of a young person’s identity and can contribute to their life in many ways. These identities shape how young people with disabilities foster their strengths, interests, and diverse perspectives on the world around them. At the same time, youth with physical, mental, intellectual, and/or …

Inclusion Disability inclusion means that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of life to the fullest extent possible. These opportunities include participation in education, employment, public health programming, community living, and service learning.1 Including people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to have …

Teen motor vehicle crashes can be prevented, and statistics indicate that the annual number of drivers aged 15 to 17 years involved in fatal crashes decreased 48 percent from 2005 to 2014 (Governors Highway Traffic Safety Association (GHSA), 2016). While this is promising, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading …

Youth under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act are typically processed through a juvenile justice system1. While similar to that of the adult criminal justice system in many ways—processes include arrest, detainment, petitions, hearings, adjudications, dispositions, placement, probation, and reentry—the juvenile justice …

Teen motor vehicle crashes can be prevented, and statistics indicate that the annual number of drivers aged 15 to 17 years involved in fatal crashes decreased 48 percent from 2005 to 2014 (Governors Highway Traffic Safety Association (GHSA), 2016). While this is promising, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading …

There are many opportunities each year to learn more about and celebrate LGBT diversity. Some of these events are hosted by particular organizations, such as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), while others are days, weeks and months recognized by the LGBT community at large. The following is …

While traffic safety for young drivers in the United States has generally improved over the last decade, recent data suggests a concerning countertrend. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that crash-related deaths among 15- to 20-year-olds decreased every year between 2007 and 2014, an encouraging sign …

National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) NASS is composed of two systems, the Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) and the General Estimates System (GES). These are based on cases selected from a sample of police crash reports. CDS data focus on passenger vehicle crashes, and are used to investigate injury mechanisms to …

It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time …

Click to Enlarge The current economic climate has made securing and sustaining a job difficult for all Americans, including youth. Certain populations of youth—including those who are or have been involved in the foster care system or the juvenile justice system, runaway or homeless youth, youth who have dropped out …

It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time …

The rates of injury for young workers are high. The rate of treatment in an emergency department for occupational injuries is about twice as high for youth workers as it is for those over 25 years of age,1 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for …

In 2016, nearly 210,000 babies were born to women between ages 15 and 19. This represented an eight percent decrease in birth rates for this age group from 2015.1 The needs and wellbeing of expectant and parenting young people are an ongoing priority for local and federal programming and service …

In 2016, nearly 210,000 babies were born to women between ages 15 and 19. This represented an eight percent decrease in birth rates for this age group from 2015.1 The needs and wellbeing of expectant and parenting young people are an ongoing priority for local and federal programming and service …

Some of the main goals for improving the health of expectant and parenting young families include providing prenatal care, ensuring adequate nutrition, providing breastfeeding education, and addressing mental health and substance use issues.1 Breastfeeding Breastfeeding education for expectant and parenting young families is another very important topic in health education …

The main educational issue that needs to be addressed for expectant and parenting young families is school completion. Teen births are strongly linked to dropping out of high school.1 Only about half of teen mothers attain their high school diploma by the time they are 22 years old, compared to …

The benefits of healthy relationships for expectant and parenting young families are multifaceted. Healthy relationship skills can improve communications among teen mothers and fathers and their family members and with each other. Whether they are in a romantic relationship or co-parents who are working together to raise their child, a …

There are a number of current federal efforts available to support expectant and parenting young families. The following reviews the currently available programming and approaches offered through federal agencies: Assistance The Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Program, administered by the Office of Adolescent Health, has the aim of improving the health, educational, …

Meaningful Family Engagement Family engagement is essential in promoting healthy physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, and academic achievement of children and youth from pre-K to high school. Research shows that when families are meaningfully and continuously engaged in their children’s learning and development, they can positively impact their child’s health, …

If a youth has a constellation of risk factors, it is important to seek assistance for the young person and his or her family. If a family member or friend is concerned, discussing the issue with another family member, friend, spiritual counselor, family pediatrician, or primary doctor could be helpful. …

Meaningful Family Engagement Family engagement is essential in promoting healthy physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, and academic achievement of children and youth from pre-K to high school. Research shows that when families are meaningfully and continuously engaged in their children’s learning and development, they can positively impact their child’s health, …

On Tuesday May 21, 2013, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs hosted a webinar, Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach for Youth Across Service Sectors. The webinar featured three content experts nationally known in their field, as well as two youth presenters who spoke about their own lived experience and the …

Financial capability and literacy is “the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.”1 This set of skills can help youth achieve financial well-being, which happens when they can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, feel secure in their financial future, and are capable of …

Financial capability and literacy is “the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.”1 This set of skills can help youth achieve financial well-being, which happens when they can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, feel secure in their financial future, and are capable of …

Teaching financial capability is important because youth are increasingly facing higher levels of debt: The average debt of students when they graduated from college rose from $18,550 (in 2004) to $28,950 (in 2014), an increase of 56 percent.1 From 2004 to 2009, the median credit card debt among college students …

Postsecondary education is important for future economic stability for the individual and the nation. Unfortunately, the high cost to attend a two- or four-year institution of higher education can keep lower and middle-income students from achieving an academic degree. A student must make a number of financial decisions to make …

Compared with youth in higher income households, youth from lower income households more often face barriers to career training, and more often have limited resources and access to financial education and related services. Therefore, these youth may be less able to achieve financial well-being. Youth employment programs offer opportunities to …

Tracking gang statistics and trends can help to assess the demographics of gangs in the U.S., including age range, prevalence, location, and types of crime associated with gangs. This information can help to target prevention initiatives and interventions, and determine youth at risk for gang involvement. Gang Activity and Violence …

The risk and protective factors of youth gang involvement can span multiple domains from the individual level (aggressiveness) to the peer (delinquent siblings), school (academic failure), and community levels (poverty). Risk factors encourage or increase the likelihood of youth participating in gangs; whereas a protective factor acts as a buffer …

Youth gang involvement impacts the health and welfare of the individual, as well as that of his or her family, peers, and community. Youth Involved in Gangs The numerous consequences stemming from gang involvement can have varying degrees of short and long-term negative outcomes. Youth who become involved in gangs …

Positive youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models (Jekielek, Moore, & Hair, 2002). Today, 8.5 million youth continue to lack supportive, sustained relationships with caring adults (Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). Mentoring—which matches youth or …

While females make up a little less than ten percent of the overall gang population, research suggests that girls may account for between one-fourth and one-half of the gang members in younger adolescent gangs.1  Overall, female gang members appear to be more heavily represented in gangs located outside of large …

Positive youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models (Jekielek, Moore, & Hair, 2002). Today, 8.5 million youth continue to lack supportive, sustained relationships with caring adults (Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). Mentoring—which matches youth or …

Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.1 The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million …

Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development Based on the literature, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, has created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD): PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach …

Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.1 The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million …

Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development Based on the literature, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, has created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD): PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach …

Homelessness is defined in a number of different ways. Below are federal definitions and key terms that are used when talking about runaway and homelessness youth. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) defines homeless youth as individuals who are “not more than 21 years of …

Due to variations in the definition, timeframe, and age range used, the number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies significantly. Estimates suggest that between 500,000 and 2.8 million youth are homeless within the United States each year.1 Homeless Unaccompanied Youth A 2004 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report …

Involving youth and encouraging their participation is important in promoting positive youth development. Youth need to be fully engaged in programs as active participants. Their participation should be sustained, and they should able to translate the skills and experiences gained within the program to their greater communities. Youth Involvement and …

Teen pregnancy prevention is a national priority. Despite declines in teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S., the national teen pregnancy rate continues to be higher than the rates in other Western industrialized nations.1 Racial and ethnic disparities remain, with higher rates of teen pregnancy for Hispanic and non-Hispanic …

Homeless and runaway youth consistently identify family conflict as the primary reason for homelessness and they experience more conflict at home than their peers.1 These youth experience higher rates of serious violence,2 child abuse, and neglect.3 Research suggests that it is longstanding issues of conflict, not one issue that arises …

Teen pregnancy prevention is a national priority. Despite declines in teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S., the national teen pregnancy rate continues to be higher than the rates in other Western industrialized nations.1 Racial and ethnic disparities remain, with higher rates of teen pregnancy for Hispanic and non-Hispanic …

Approximately 1.6 million U.S. youth (about seven percent of all youth) between the ages 12 and 17 ran away from home and experienced at least one night of homelessness in 2002.1 Although studies on the percentage of homeless youth who are LGBT vary, analyses suggest that approximately 20 to 40 …

Children who have experiences with the child welfare system are prone to running away and experiencing homelessness.1 This may result from high rates of homeless youth being placed in substitute care, such as foster care,2 and youth in the foster care system running away to avoid foster care, escape a …

Runaway and homeless youth have higher rates of involvement with the juvenile justice system1 including higher rates of misdemeanor charges and gang affiliation.2 According to a study of runaway and homeless youth in the Midwest, over half had been arrested at least one time since they first ran away, with …

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. School climate refers to the quality and types of …

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is a collaborative partnership between federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector with a goal of coordinating efforts to reduce and end homelessness. History of the Council Then known as the Interagency Council on the Homeless, USICH was authorized …

Youth involved in the Child Welfare System In general, youth involved in the child welfare system, like their peers in the juvenile justice system, are disproportionately minority; live at or below the poverty line; have strained, limited, or no family connections; usually have mental health needs; and have negative educational …

Young people leaving juvenile justice residential placement face many concerns as they reenter the community, home, and school/work force. Reentry refers to those activities and tasks that prepare youth placed out-of-home for reentry into their families and communities.1 Unfortunately, many youth return to unstable home settings, struggle to remain in …

While it is recognized that some youth commit serious offenses and may need to be confined within a secure setting, research has shown that many youth in the juvenile justice system are there for relatively minor offenses, have significant mental health issues, and end up in out-of-home placement or on …

There are several major sources for juvenile justice data at the federal- and state-level. Federally Funded Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Statistical Briefing Book This site provides comprehensive national datasets for a wide range of juvenile justice-related topics and subtopics as well as data analysis tools, frequently-asked …

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. School climate refers to the quality and types of …

Sexual orientation and gender are important aspects of a young person’s identity. Understanding and expressing sexual orientation and gender and developing related identities are typical development tasks that vary across children and youth. For example, some youth may be unsure of their sexual orientation, whereas others have been clear about …

Sexual orientation and gender are important aspects of a young person’s identity. Understanding and expressing sexual orientation and gender and developing related identities are typical development tasks that vary across children and youth. For example, some youth may be unsure of their sexual orientation, whereas others have been clear about …

Currently, there is no universally accepted acronym for the community or communities of youth who are not heterosexual and express their gender in diverse ways. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth each represent distinct populations with particular and sometimes unique experiences.1 This topic page uses “LGBT” as an umbrella …

Family acceptance and support are significant factors that promote well-being and protection from risks for all youth, including LGBT youth.1 The meaning of family varies by personal, cultural, and other factors and can include individuals who are not biologically or legally related to a youth (i.e., families of choice).2 Family …

Although many youth experience a smooth transition into adulthood and the workforce, some encounter challenges in finding or maintaining employment. Because LGBT youth may experience less supportive school environments than their non-LGBT peers, they may struggle in school and, in turn, have higher school dropout rates or have lower aspirations …

Historically, President John F. Kennedy first brought attention to mental illness and its prevention in the 1960’s.1 Later, President Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Commission on Mental Health in 1977 and the formulation of the National Plan for the Chronically Mentally Ill in 1980 were the first formal attempts by the federal …

Mental health is not just the absence of a disease or mental health disorder, it is much more. As youth grow and mature, they achieve mental and emotional milestones. This process can be described as achieving developmental competence, or the ability to navigate social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral tasks at …

Monitoring the Future This survey is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are surveyed. The survey has been funded with grants from the National Institute …

Estimated rates of co-occurring mental illness among adolescents with substance use disorders range from 60 to 75 percent.1 Among adolescents with no prior substance use, the rates of first-time use of drugs and alcohol in the previous year are higher in those who have had a major depressive episode than in …

Suicidal thoughts and actions by a youth generate conflicting feelings among family members, friends, and other members of a school and the groups and communities of which the youth is a member. After a suicide attempt, it is important to take care of the people surrounding the youth in addition …

As defined in the key terms section, a mental disorder is a clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and is associated with present distress (e.g., a painful symptom), disability (i.e., impairment in one or more important areas of functioning), or with a significantly increased …

Trafficking of youth is a form of modern slavery within the United States. It is a crime involving the exploitation of U.S. citizen/resident or noncitizen youth for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, regardless of whether the trafficker …

Youth with mental health disorders often experience difficulties in a variety of settings including within their own families at home, in school, and in the community. Families Frequently, because of their behavior, youth with mental health disorders pose challenges to parents and siblings and are sometimes singled out and blamed …

Discrimination against youth with mental health challenges begins early and increases over time, causing attitudes to become ingrained.1 Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that people with mental illnesses are not to blame for their conditions (84 percent), only about 57.3 percent believe that people are …

Schools Are a Natural Setting to Support Mental Health School-based mental health is becoming a vital part of student support systems. According to the most recent data in 2005, over one-third of school districts used school or district staff to provide mental health services, and over one-fourth used outside agencies …

Most mentoring occurs without the support of a formal program; however, the number of mentoring programs, as well as the number of adults and youth participating in formal mentoring relationships has grown substantially in recent years (MENTOR, 2006; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). To date, there are more …

Trafficking of youth is a form of modern slavery within the United States. It is a crime involving the exploitation of U.S. citizen/resident or noncitizen youth for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, regardless of whether the trafficker …

While any adult can act as a youth mentor, a 2005 national survey found some differences between adults who participated in youth mentoring and those who did not (MENTOR, 2006). Age Young adults ages 18 to 24 and middle-aged adults ages 35 to 54 had the highest rates for mentoring …

Because of the individualized level of the mentor-mentee relationship, two youth participating in the same program may have drastically different experiences (Deutsch & Spencer, 2009). While individual relationships differ depending on the needs of the mentee, research has identified key characteristics of successful mentoring relationships including enduring relationships between mentor …

Research suggests that many formal mentoring relationships last less than a few months (Rhodes, 2002), and for the most at-risk youth, that time is even less (Grossman & Rhodes, 2002). Mentoring can be a positive experience for both mentors and mentees, but it can also be challenging; often those challenges …

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports a number of efforts to build the skills and resources of youth aged 16-24. Whether they are called “youth in transition,” “transition age youth,” “youth aging out” or other terms, youth in this age group experience a number of challenges on their …

Developing a mentoring program is a great way to get involved and make a valuable contribution in your community. Taking time to plan carefully before the program begins can eliminate a lot of barriers during the implementation process. Assess the needs and resources available in the community and see if …

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports a number of efforts to build the skills and resources of youth aged 16-24. Whether they are called “youth in transition,” “transition age youth,” “youth aging out” or other terms, youth in this age group experience a number of challenges on their …

All youth can benefit from positive interactions with adults and peers. The following section describes the investments federal agencies are making for youth aged 16 to 24 in areas such as positive youth development, mentoring, youth-adult partnerships, and community service. To find out more about positive youth development, please see …

Opportunity youth are young people who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old and are disconnected from school and work. This developmental time period, also referred to as emerging adulthood,[1] has great potential for individual growth through exploring independence and life opportunities. It is a critical window …

Researchers have identified common characteristics of effective programs for teens (Hall, Israel and Shortt, 2004): Youth feel a sense of independence through participation in the program, including financial independence (wages or stipend). Programs offer job skills, job preparation, job training, and actual employment opportunities. Schools and principals are active partners. …

Opportunity youth are young people who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old and are disconnected from school and work. This developmental time period, also referred to as emerging adulthood,[1] has great potential for individual growth through exploring independence and life opportunities. It is a critical window …

Prevention efforts should aim to reduce factors that place youth at risk for perpetrating violence and promote factors that protect youth at risk for violence. In addition, prevention should address all types of influences on youth violence: individual, relationship, community, and society. Effective prevention strategies are necessary to promote awareness …

PYD exists in dynamic environments that build upon the strengths of and recognize risk behaviors in adolescents. These environments include systems of support, such as peer or social networks, school, family, and community. The contexts are all a part of an ecological framework that PYD programs incorporate into their programming …

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (Working Group) recognizes the importance of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and works to ensure that current research-based content is included on youth.gov and to identify resources that support federal efforts in promoting positive youth development and youth engagement. The Working Group created a …

Teen pregnancy can result in a number of negative consequences. It is necessary to understand the associated risk and protective factors in order to appropriately implement prevention efforts. Risk factors encourage, or increase, behaviors that increase the likelihood of teen pregnancy, while protective factors decrease these behaviors. These factors can …

The high social and economic costs of teen pregnancy and child­bearing can have short- and long-term negative consequences for teen parents, their children, and their community. Through recent research, it has been recognized that pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on educational outcomes of teen parents. By age 22, …

Teen pregnancy rates as of 2010 and the percentage of never-married teens who were sexually experienced as of 2006-2010 were at historic lows in the United States.1 The number of teens giving birth in 2010 was the lowest rate since 1946 and the percentage of never-married teens who were sexually …

Disasters are often unpredictable and can happen at any time and to anyone. They may be natural, man-made, or both. Disasters are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community,1 and  may include floods, hurricanes, …

Disasters are often unpredictable and can happen at any time and to anyone. They may be natural, man-made, or both. Disasters are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community,1 and  may include floods, hurricanes, …

By involving youth in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, youth-serving agencies can help to not only increase youths’ awareness of particular hazards, but can also enhance the chance that they openly discuss how to adequately protect their families and loved ones and understand how to seek help should their community …

Youth Preparedness Fact Sheet This one-page fact sheet provides an overview of the importance of youth preparedness, as well as information about how FEMA and other organizations support it. Youth Preparedness: Implementing a Community-Based Program This document provides information about high-level steps for implementing a youth preparedness program. Catalogue of …

Understanding and addressing school climate can be facilitated by collecting and reviewing survey and incident data. Schools can then use these data to see which aspects of school climate need to be addressed and to select and implement evidence-based intervention practices and programs. This data-driven approach can promote positive outcomes …

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. Neglecting to purposefully address issues related to school climate …

Substance abuse and problematic patterns of substance use among youth can lead to problems at school, cause or aggravate physical and mental health-related issues, promote poor peer relationships, cause motor-vehicle accidents, and place stress on the family. They can also develop into lifelong issues such as substance dependence, chronic health problems, …

Substance abuse and problematic patterns of substance use among youth can lead to problems at school, cause or aggravate physical and mental health-related issues, promote poor peer relationships, cause motor-vehicle accidents, and place stress on the family. They can also develop into lifelong issues such as substance dependence, chronic health problems, …

Estimated rates of co-occurring mental illness among adolescents with substance use disorders range from 60 to 75 percent.1 Among adolescents with no prior substance use, the rates of first-time use of drugs and alcohol in the previous year are higher in those who have had a major depressive episode than in …

Many youth may show behaviors in adolescence that are indicative of substance abuse, but can also be considered normal behaviors while growing up. It is important to take notice if there are several signs happening at the same time, if they occur suddenly, and if the behaviors are extreme. The …

Although prevalence rates of certain substances have been steady or in decline, others are on the rise. The normalization of substance abuse among youth highlights the importance of screening and assessment (a more in-depth look at the issues) in order to prevent future substance dependencies. Screening and assessment procedures are …

Get Smart About Drugs The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hosts the Get Smart About Drugs website for parents, educators, and caregivers. The website features news, headlines, trending topics, and videos about youth and drugs. Users can also search the database for specific drug information. Publications and resources are available in …

Developmentally, the years between childhood and adulthood represent a critical period of transition and significant cognitive, mental, emotional, and social change. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, navigating new milestones in preparation for adult roles involving education, employment, relationships, and living circumstances can be difficult. These transitions …

Developmentally, the years between childhood and adulthood represent a critical period of transition and significant cognitive, mental, emotional, and social change. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, navigating new milestones in preparation for adult roles involving education, employment, relationships, and living circumstances can be difficult. These transitions …

The day after a youth’s suicide attempt may feel like the hardest day of their life, which creates stress in addition to the factors leading to the attempt. The youth has seriously thought about or attempted to end their life. The youth may be exhausted, experience extreme fatigue, and feel …

Human trafficking happens in almost every country around the world, including the United States. Traffickers represent every social, ethnic, and racial group. Various organizational types exist in trafficking, including large nationwide gangs and criminal organizations, local street and motorcycle gangs, and individuals with no affiliation with any one group or …

Members of the youth-serving community and those who regularly interact with young people are in a unique position to recognize children who may be victims of human trafficking or on the path to becoming victimized. No comprehensive list of all the signs of human trafficking exists, and children who exhibit …

To report an immediate emergency Call 911 or contact your local police department or emergency access number. To report suspected trafficking crimes, get help, or learn more about human trafficking from a nongovernmental organization Call the toll-free (24/7) National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888 (1-888-373-7888). Text HELP or INFO …

According to a recently released Institute of Medicine (IOC) and National Research Council (NRC) report, Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States, sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, “commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States …

An estimated 29,500 youth were emancipated from foster care in FY 2008 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). Approximately 100,000 youth are released from secure and residential facilities each year (Altschuler, Strangler, Berkley & Burton, 2009). Approximately 53,000-103,000 of the homeless population on a single day are between …

Youth violence is a significant problem that affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities.1 Youth violence and crime affect a community’s economic health, as well as individuals’ physical and mental health and well-being. Homicide is the third leading cause of death for …

Youth violence is a significant problem that affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities.1 Youth violence and crime affect a community’s economic health, as well as individuals’ physical and mental health and well-being. Homicide is the third leading cause of death for …

The National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (Forum) was a network of communities and federal agencies that worked together from 2010-2016 to share information and build local capacity to prevent and reduce youth violence. The Forum brought together people from diverse professions and perspectives to learn from each other and …

Thousands of people experience youth violence every day. Youth violence negatively impacts youth in all communities—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. Youth violence is common. 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property in the past year.1 Youth violence kills and injuries. Homicide is the third leading …

No single factor explains why some youth perpetrate or become a victim of violence or why violence is more prevalent in some places than others. Violence results from a complex interplay of a variety of factors. Understanding the range of factors that put youth at risk for violence or protect …