Identifying At Risk Youth

At-risk could be risk of not completing school, of not obtaining employment, of committing crime; and more. The World Bank defines at-risk youth as individuals aged 12 to 24 who face ‘environmental, social, family conditions that hinder their personal development and their successful integration into society as productive citizens’. Those from single parent families, dysfunctional family units, and with other socio-emotional issues tend to be at a greater disadvantage of succeeding in life. However, our children have been exposed to violence, substance abuse and other negative influences at a very young age even through media.

Consider the following:

Almost one-third of Canada's homeless population is 16-24 years old. That's about 65,000 young people without a place to call home. 50% of street youth come from middle- and upper-class homes. Abuse and neglect are two of the major reasons why young people leave home. Several studies show that nearly 70% of homeless youth have experienced some form of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Among Canadian street youth, 47% reported being physically assaulted by a family member. One-third of street youth suffer from high levels of depression. Almost half of those who are depressed reported attempting suicide at least once. Youth can be at risk despite their ethnicity, gender, age or family background. Parents can raise their children in a way they feel is supportive and loving, yet teens can find themselves caught up in difficult or dangerous lifestyles and perhaps making unwise choices.

Justin Braet, Manager of Nightlight Youth Services (Boys and Girls Club of Niagara) shares his experience of working with at-risk youth through this informative video. He explains how youth find themselves in difficult situations and what is needed to help them. He provides distress and crisis line call responders with an understanding of the vulnerabilities of our at-risk youth and brings to our attention the importance of providing support.

Questions for Further Consideration:

1. Without a specific incident in mind, parents may call a distress line, expressing worry and concern for their children, who they feel are exposed daily to so many negative images and influences. How can a distress line call responder provide support in this instance?

A child’s welfare is a primary concern for parents wanting to act diligently. One cannot overemphasize the important role of parents in providing for the physical and emotional needs of their children. Helping to build resiliency in children is key to emotional growth. There are things parents can do or help focus on when considering their child’s development. Some protective factors to foster in children can include the following:

possession of problem-solving, life and communication skills sociability resilient personality or temperament a sense of belonging secure attachments to positive parent(s) or family positive relations with "pro social" peers access to other caring and supportive adults appropriate discipline, limit-setting and structure from parents opportunities to experience success and build self-esteem.

1. Social and economic factors in our society do affect the conditions that determine whether youth thrive or not. How can distress centre call responders get a better understanding of the personal risk factors that may influence the path of youth?

Risk factors are experiences in a young person's life that increase the chances of a youth being victimized or of developing one or more behaviour problems. The more risk factors that are present the greater the chances of behaviour problems. Risk factors can be found in a youth's family life, school experiences, community and peer relationships.

The main risk factors can be grouped into three broad areas: risk factors present in the child or young person, risk factors present in the family and risk factors in the environment or wider community. Risk factors include such factors as:

difficult "personality" or temperament problems caused by brain diseases or disorders family violence, including verbal and emotional abuse and neglect childhood traumas such as physical and sexual abuse poor or ineffective parental supervisory and discipline skills parental alcoholism or drug addiction Failing in school truancy and other school problems Low socio-economic status, living in poverty. None of these factors can, in itself, be indicative of negative developments at a later stage in life. Only when several factors co-exist is the risk of serious criminality and health and welfare problems increased.

1. What should one look for as possible signs that youth may be experiencing difficulty and may need help?

There are many signs that indicate that trouble is brewing. Here are some major indicators that a teen may be at risk and that help may be needed. This is general, and not a complete list.

School: Failing at school, skipping school, sleeping frequently in class, getting into fights and in conflict with authority, being bullied Family life: Arguing with parents and siblings, running away from home The law: Getting caught for shoplifting, smoking, glue sniffing, gang related activities and vandalizing public property Unusual behaviour: Extreme violence, lose their cool easily, self-mutilation, spends lots of time alone, extreme mood swings, loss of appetite or binge eating and is sexually active Self-belief: Low in confidence, unmotivated, gives up easily and has an 'I don't care' attitude Glossary: At-risk youth: Individuals aged 12 to 24 who face ‘environmental, social, family conditions that hinder their personal development and their successful integration into society as productive citizens (The World Bank definition)