NEW PROJECT: Working With At Risk Youth

Welcome to our site! At Risk Youth Resource Project is designed for educators, parents, youth and teens to gather information about at risk youth and teen issues. We have created videos and pages with tips, suggestions, recommendations and resources from many different sources.

Teen issues included on this site include: teen drug abuse, teenage alcoholism, promiscuity, teen pregnancy, disorders, violence, destructive behavior and more! We also have added links and resources to various types of schools, programs, and treatment options available to parents of at risk youth. To find more information on any of these types - Use the Resource tab on the menu above.

 

 

There are a lot of websites out there that talk about "at risk youth", but there is no real definition that fits this term (in our opinion). We have seen people refer to inner city kids that live in poor neighborhoods as at risk youth, but are they really more at risk than any other? Drugs, alcohol, and youth violence are prominent in almost every area of the United States. Single parent homes, dysfunctional family units, and other social issues have no boundaries either. So we've developed this site with a little something for everyone.

 

 

Here's our definition of an at risk youth (this is our opinion): We believe any child that grows up in this world is "At-Risk" in some way. Children will be exposed to "sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll" at a very early age. Teens will know other kids that do drugs, drink alcohol, or smoke cigarretes. Some parents will do all they can to raise their kids right - and their kids may still make poor choices. The statistics on are sobering. At risk youth can be either male or female, any race, and any age. Each "group" has a different area where they are more at risk, but they are all youth at risk.

We appreciate you visiting our site to gather resouces about the issues that teens face today. We hope that you can find guidance and help for your individual situation to help your child or adolescent.

There are many social experts who study human behavior and argue that today’s kids are under stress as never before. Gang warfare, street stabbings and shootings, proliferation of drugs, binge drinking and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases all make life tough for today’s teens. And the tragic result is that so many young people are caught up in a dangerous lifestyle and place their health and even their life at risk.

How can you prevent your teen from being placed in the at-risk category? Can you stop any problems before they occur or at least become too serious? Here are some factors about teenage behavior. Is your teen involved in any of these situations? If so, the more situations the greater the likelihood they are at-risk.

1. School life. Is your teen failing at school, are their grades dropping and are they in conflict with staff?

2. Family life. Is your teen rebellious? Do they argue often with their parents and/or siblings? Do they threaten to run away or even go missing for periods of time?

3. The law. Is your teen in troube with authority? Do the police come calling to interview your child about certain incidents?
4. The community. Is your teen a dropout from sporting clubs, the church or other local group activities? Have they abandoned the things which once took pride of place in their life?

5. Unusual behavior. Is your teen prone to lose their cool beyond what might be considered normal? Are they angry and abusive? Do they threaten you or other family members? Have the dropped long-time friendships with their peers?

6. Depression. Is your teen spending long periods of time alone perhaps in their room? Do they speak less and make fewer comments in family conversations? Have they been medically examined for depression? Do they seem listless and disinterested in most things?

7. Sexuality. Is your teen sexually active? Do you know their partner or partners? Is your teen aware of STDs? Is your teen well-informed when it comes to the dangers of unprotected sex?

8. Truthfulness. Have you caught out your teen telling lies? Do they seem secretive and not open and forthcoming? Are they unwilling to give details of where they’ve been or with whom? Do you suspect them of stealing from home?

9. Fear. Are you afraid of your teen? Are you worried that what you say or do will cause them to explode and use bad language? Has your teen threatened you or your family?

10. Self-belief. Does your teen seem to lack confidence? Are they without motivation for most or many things? Do they have an “I don’t care” attitude to life? Have they dropped their bundle?

The above points cover most of how a troubled teen behaves. If your child fits into some of these categories, it is possible your teen is at risk. Now is the time to intervene. Talk to your family doctor and seek professional advice. Do not let the situation drift. The health of your teen may be at risk.