How to Give At-Risk Adolescents a Better Life

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Recommended: Juvenile correctional programs and treatment

Introduction
At-risk youths are adolescents experiencing acute behavioural problems and emotional problems, causing them to be a safety liability to both themselves and others (Janis, 2002). This also impedes their ability to learn and cope in various social settings. Often at-risk youths end up incarcerated in a juvenile facility and are often labelled as a menace to our society. They are prone to suicidal behaviours that sometimes leads to a fatal outcome. According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death between the ages of 15-24 and sixth leading cause of death between the ages of 5-15. At-risk youths also typically engage in drug use, drop out of school, and practice early un-protected sexual behaviour as well as violent crimes.
Advocacy
At risk youths require special attention from the people who surround them on a daily basis. Having consistent, positive influence and guidance will enable them to mature responsibly and make better decisions. Advocacy programs have played a large role in helping the youths at risk. Youth advocates offer individual and family counselling as well as a variety of other helpful services. They help connect the youth and their families to existing community programs. They work towards creating an environment where everyone works together to provide coordinated support for the youth. In addition, they provide counselling services to all ages through elementary, middle and high school. They are also involved in alcohol and drug prevention and intervention, juvenile court diversion and family support and assistance.
During this intervention social worker advocate employs various methodologies. One of the methodologies used by the advocates is development approach. It involves the advo...

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...s supposed to be voluntary and have the informed consent. Since Josie is a minor the consent of the parents is required.
Conclusion
Adolescence is a unique period of the lifespan. It is full of changes and challenges, but also of growth and opportunities. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to high-risk behaviours. so it is imperative that parents and other concerned adults support youth as they go through this period. The process surrounding high-risk behaviours can be complex, and often it is not enough just to tell a child to ‘say no’ to engaging in these behaviours. Risk-behaviour prevention must cover a wide range of issues that adolescents face in order to be most effective. This is because, the well-being of our society depends on our ability to prepare well adjusted; responsible, well-educated young people to step forward as the older generation passes.

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