Youth at Risk

KNR 270

Who is considered “at risk”?

Children and adolescents who for a variety of reasons are at risk of becoming juvenile offenders

OR are in danger of negative future events

50% of youth population 36 million

Factors that place youth at risk

Socially disadvantaged backgrounds Lack of basic academic skills

Problems in school Feelings of alienination

Could be gang membership Limited family support Low SES Parental separation or divorce

Factors that place youth at risk

Physical, social, or sexual abuse Alcoholism

Their own or their parents Frequent residential moves Violence, physical aggression,

destruction of property

Resiliency

Not all youth with negative factors become at risk

Some are resilient

They resist negative and make positive contributions

What factors are protective or help with resiliency?

Neighborhood resources Presence of a caring adult Perceived competence Positive attitudes toward future Sense of belonging Others?

What can recreation do?

Provide stimulating and challenging activities Outdoor activities Ropes courses Foster interpersonal skills Foster acceptance of others Foster cooperation

What can recreation do?

Emphasize autonomy and choice Involve youth in planning activities

Create positive, caring, and accepting environments

Encourage family involvement Reduce fees for programs

What can recreation do?

Early prevention programs With severe behavior problems may

need to collaborate with CTRS Caring leaders Others?

What skills do leaders need?

Experiential education Conflict resolution Youth development Behavior management Ability to develop rapport Ability to set boundaries Process & debriefing skills