Youth Involvement Resources

September 2008

Teen Ink
Teen Ink, 2008
This is a teen magazine, book series, and Web site devoted entirely to teenage writing and art. It offers youth the opportunity to have their creative work and opinions published and shared with other youth, teachers, and many others across the country.

The National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth
The National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth, 2008
A free information service for communities, organizations, and individuals interested in developing new and effective strategies for supporting young people and their families. Contains a fact sheet on positive youth development, as well as a range of nationally recognized publications and fact sheets for young people.

Youth Infusion
Youth Infusion, 2008
This is an organization created and run by young people that works to support youth as decision-makers, advocates, and community change-agents. Specializes in long-term organizational change and can assist organizations in assessing their readiness to engage young people and help design and implement youth-adult engagement models.

Youth Forum Guide (PDF)
Act for Youth
Walks through the steps to create a youth forum and includes examples of documents that can be used for forums including permission slips, evaluations, agendas, role identifications, and much more.

July/August 2008

Keeping in Touch (PDF)
This brochure provides tips on transitioning to independent living. Developed using the voice of youth, the examples in this brochure represent youth from varied cultural backgrounds and life experiences.

Mentoring Children of Prisoners
Mentoring programs are credited with contributing to the positive social and emotional development of youth and helping to reduce rates of first time drug and alcohol use, improving academic performance, and reducing the likelihood that youth will initiate violence. The mentoring resources highlighted here have been developed under the National Clearinghouse on Family and Youth’s Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program. Materials address elements of successful mentoring programs, links to model programs, and technical assistance resources.

Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Training
The Institute for Intergovernmental Research along with several national partners will be holding Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Training at twelve regional locations (PDF) this summer. The goal of these trainings is to improve the level of knowledge, communication, and collaboration needed to address criminal gang issues that affect communities throughout the nation. The curriculum is based on current policies and proven practices and strategies in the criminal justice field. Training topics will cover why kids join gangs, characteristics of armed gang members, and overview of gang prevention, among others.

TeensHealth
KidsHealth is the largest and most-visited site on the Web providing doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. Physicians and other health experts review all content before it's published on KidsHealth. KidsHealth has separate areas for kids, teens and parents. The TeensHealth section is an interactive site filled with games, animations, quizzes, fact sheets, and many other resources. In the TeensHealth section you will find numerous articles and resources on topics including exercise and nutrition, depression, drugs and alcohol, sexual health, and even recipes. There is also a page that provides information for preparing for college, volunteering, finding a job and even tips for taking tests and studying.

June 2008

At The Table
At the Table provides resources and information about how to effectively engage young people in decision-making. At the Table was formed to facilitate a coordinated, sustainable national youth participation movement. They work with partners across the country to educate and inform about the value of youth participation as well as to prepare youth and adults to work together to create positive change. On atthetable.org you will be able to search an online “youth voice” database to find out what organizations are doing in your State and community to involve youth. An online catalog is also available on the Web site that allows you access to numerous resources, tools and trainings for youth engagement.

The Girls’ Justice Initiative
The Girls’ Justice Initiative (GJI), recently launched their new Web site. The GJI is a national collaboration of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting equity and justice for girls involved in the juvenile justice and related systems. Their mission is to ensure that girls in the system receive treatment that is responsive to their needs and nurtures their strengths. The Web site features different publications, factsheets, resources from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as well as links to other organizations devoted to girls’ issues.

Engaging Youth: A How-To Guide for Creating Opportunities for Young People to Participate, Lead and Succeed (PDF)
This paper from the Sierra Health Foundation provides an overview of the principles of youth leadership as well as a collection of resources, tools, and strategies geared towards adults and youth. The diverse offering of materials and strategies assembled in this document are geared towards youth and adults, with highlights from programs located in the Sacramento, California area.

Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit
This resource toolkit available from Advocates for Youth provides ice breakers, educational lessons, and advocacy guides for youth passionate about GLBTQ issues. The lessons help young people understand the impact of homophobia and transphobia and help them learn how they can get involved to create a safe space for GLBTQ youth.

May 2008

The National Wraparound Initiative

The National Wraparound Initiative (NWI) began in 2003 when the Portland State University Research and Training Center came together with parent advocates, wraparound trainers, and other committed organizations and individuals to address challenges related to defining and implementing wraparound. Since then NWI has developed meaningful products, resources, and workgroups dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of wraparound.

The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development

Based in Takoma Park, Maryland, The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development develops resources, strategies, and partnerships in the areas of youth and civic activism, service learning, community development, organizational development, youth development, leadership development, and program evaluation. The Center’s Web site boasts a wealth of resources on youth development and youth voice, many of which can be accessed online free of charge. The following are selected resources which may be useful to many systems of care partners interested in youth involvement.

Video: Youth and Adult Partnerships
This ten-minute video features young people and adults speaking about the importance of youth and adult partnerships.
Creating Change: How Organizations Connect with Youth, Build Communities and Strengthen Themselves (PDF)
This document uses specific examples to highlight strategies organizations employ to engage and empower youth to get involved in community change.
Youth Involvement in Decision-Making (PDF)
This document explores the significant contributions youth make to individuals and organizations when they are meaningfully involved.

April 2008

Students Against Destructive Decisions
Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, was founded on the philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force in prevention. SADD has become a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, teen violence, and teen depression and suicide.

Get Your Youth Groups Started!
Youth Venture provides resources, tools, and funds for youth-led social change initiatives addressing social issues of concern to youth. Visitors to their Web site have the opportunity to learn about how they can get support to start youth-led groups, access to funding, allies and mentors, connections to others in youth-led movements, and more.

Video: Youth Participation in Planning: Why it Matters
The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health at Portland State University recently released a dynamic video that speaks to the importance of youth involvement in decisions about their treatment, care, education and future. The video features youth who, in their own words and with stories from their own lives, describe what it feels like not to have any say in the plans that are made for their lives. It also features the stories of caregivers, and providers who have had positive experiences with youth involvement in life planning processes.

No Longer Alone – Resources for Rural Sexual Minority Youth
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) advocates in support of and in partnership with young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ). NYAC’s Web site offers a wealth of resources available to support GLBTQ youth, including the resource manual, No Longer Alone. The manual is designed to help GLBTQ youth and those who serve them meet the challenges of life in rural areas. The manual also provides contact information for organizations which help to address the unique needs of GLBTQ youth in rural areas.

March 2008

Promoting Positive Youth Development in Your Community
What is Positive Youth Development? How do you identify the strengths of young people? What is youth involvement, really? How can adults successfully partner with youth? Answers to these questions as well as many strategies for applying a positive youth development approach to working with youth can be found in the Positive Youth Development Resource Manual developed by Assets Coming Together (ACT) for youth.

Research-Based Youth Engagement Strategies (PDF)
A common challenge in systems of care is not whether to engage youth, but how to do so in a manner that can be sustained. This resource kit, Say Y.E.S to Youth: Youth Engagement Strategies, helps communities identify specific strategies for building effective partnerships between youth and adults to accomplish shared goals in your community. The resource kit includes exercises and sample documents to help prepare for, support, and maintain youth involvement in your work.

Youth Policy Action Center
The Youth Policy Action Center is a Web site designed to engage young people in democracy. It offers a broad range of tools that make it possible to be proactively involved in advocacy and learn more about issues that matter to youth. The site is a great resource for helping to empower youth voice in your community.

Engaging Young People in Social Change
Censorship, sex education, curfews, and homelessness are just a few of the broad range of issues in which youth around the world are passionately engaged. The FreeChild Project lists examples of topics that interest youth who care about change in their communities as well as Web sites, publications, and examples that speak to these issues. Create your own list of topics or check out The FreeChild Project’s list for ideas and connections that may appeal to young people in your community.

February 2008

Creative Presentation Resources, Inc.
Professional trainer and communications expert Bob Lucas has provided a virtual presenter's, educator's and trainer's warehouse of items for anyone needing creative training and presentation products, ideas, and techniques to enhance any working or learning environment. There are many items from which to choose, from inspirational music CDs, Jeopardy to original books by Robert Lucas himself such as the Creative Training Idea Book and training programs. These items and many more can assist with engagement activities that youth coordinators can use in their trainings and youth group.

Training Engagement Tools
To be truly youth-guided we must tailor our presentations and group activities to engage and meet the needs of young people. The Bob Pike group offers trainings on interactive presenting, as well as an e-store rich in presenter books and toolkits. There are many items from which to choose, including books on Ice Breakers and warm up activities, 101 Movie Clips that Teach and Train and training toolkits. These items and many more can assist with engagement activities that youth coordinators can use in their trainings and youth groups.

Global Youth Services Day is April 25-27
The 9th annual Global Youth Services Day (GYSD) will be taking place April 25-27, 2008 in countries all over the world. GYSD is an annual global event organized by Youth Service America and the Global Youth Action Network, together with numerous international organizations and national coordinating committees that celebrates, recognizes and mobilizes the contributions of young people to build their communities and their world through voluntary service and the contributions made by the community for empowering young people. On the GYSD Web site you will find information on activities that have taken place on GYSD in the past, as well as tools and documents to assist you in planning an event for this year.

One of the tools available is an interactive tool called Project Plan that walks you though the steps to planning a service project from beginning to end. There is also a section on the Web page that includes several documents containing information such as basic facts about GYSD, Strategies to Support Ongoing Social and Economic Initiatives and a whole section with various tip sheets containing information on strategic planning, project and community mapping, and preparation for GYSD. GYSD is an opportunity to celebrate your youth and your community. Don’t miss out!

National 4-H Extension Announces New Online Youth Development Journal (Free registration required)
The latest issue of the Journal of Youth Development: Bridging Research and Practice, published by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, is now available online. Articles that may be of particular interest include:

• Rural After-School Programs: Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Youth and Their Families
• Developmentally-Responsive Relationships During After School
• Addressing the Needs of Children of Offenders: The 4-H LIFE Model

December 2007/January 2008

New Publications on Youth Involvement
Portland State University (PSU) Researching and Training Center has developed two new publications on youth involvement. The first publication, Best Practices for Increasing Meaningful Youth Participation in Collaborative Team Planning, shares information about how to create plans with youth, so that youth see the plans as “a means to help them move towards important life goals.” PSU has also created a Self-Assessment Quiz designed to help organizations identify their strengths regarding youth participation, as well as areas in which they can improve.

PSU is currently developing a third piece in the series, titled Involving youth in planning for their education, treatment and services: Research tells us we should be doing better. Created in a user-friendly format, this booklet uses findings from relevant research to answer a series of questions, including:

Aren't we already involving youth in planning?
Can all youth really participate meaningfully in planning?
What are the benefits from involving youth in planning?

The booklet asserts that the research that is available indicates that involving youth meaningfully—and successfully—is quite possible. This research also indicates that doing so provides important benefits for the youth and his or her caregivers and providers. References are also provided so users can consult the original studies for further information. This booklet will be available online sometime in mid-to-late December or January.
Access these publications .

National Newspaper Focusing on Youth Issues
Youth Today is an independent, national monthly newspaper that is entirely focused on youth issues. Some of the issues that have been covered in the newspaper include youth development, juvenile justice, gang and violence prevention, teen pregnancy, sex and parenting, after-school programs and job training, best practices and many others. Examples of the many resources available in the newspaper include:

An extensive calendar of workshops and conferences related to professional development, youth issues and working with youth;
Contact information for foundations interested in youth development issues and listings of recent grant awards to youth-serving organizations;
Book and video reviews for use with staff and youth;
Analysis of groundbreaking research in the youth services field; and
Coverage of federal and State legislative issues concerning youth.

Visit the Youth Today Web site.

Wanted: Youth Leaders!
The National Youth Leadership Network promotes youth leadership development, education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among young people with disabilities, including youth with mental illness. Membership in the network provides opportunities for youth to get involved in advocacy and policy development on local, State and national levels.
Visit the National Youth Leadership Network.

Clearinghouse for Sustaining and Expanding Youth Programs and Policies
The Finance Project and The Forum for Youth Investment have partnered to support and sustain youth programs with data, tools, strategies, and other resources. The clearinghouse was designed to meet the needs of program developers and managers, intermediaries, funders and policymakers.
Access the Clearinghouse.

November 2007

Choosing Your Therapist and Do You Feel Me?
The Youth Task Force in San Francisco has been working hard at developing tools to help youth get the most of their experience in therapy. To this end they have partnered with leaders in their communities to create Choosing Your Therapist and Do You Feel Me?

Choosing Your Therapist is a tool that is designed to help young people find therapists that are well matched to their needs and preferences. The forms allow youth to indicate their preferences relating to gender, age, language, location for therapy appointments, and more.
Do you Feel Me? is used as a way to help therapists and youth build a connection prior to beginning an appointment. Youth fill this form out prior to beginning a session, indicating their mood and reason for their mood prior to beginning a session, whether or not they are hungry and whether or not they really want to be there at the moment. This allows the youth and therapist to address issues that may get in the way of a productive appointment before beginning.

Both tools were developed by the Youth Task Force, consisting of youth consumers involved in multiple systems, including mental health, juvenile justice, and foster care. The process for developing these products began with brainstorming, followed by listening to young people’s stories about mental health, talking with therapists, drafting, and designing and revising the forms. This process lasted for approximately one year and could not have been completed without the successful collaboration of youth, therapists, and leadership within the Office of Mental Health.

Samples of these forms are available for download here (PDF). To learn more about these forms or the process for developing something similar in your system of care, contact Victor Damian, Youth Coordinator with Children’s System of Care, at Victor.Damian@sfdph.org or 415.920.7715.

Fundamental Issues to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness
This National Alliance to End Homelessness developed brief, Fundamental Issues to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness details the leading causes and characteristics of youth homelessness as well as provides a checklist of “ten essentials” that every community needs in order to prevent and end youth homelessness. The brief also offers an introductory explanation of the youth housing continuum, a development model for stable and supportive housing for young adults and policy implications regarding youth homelessness. To access this brief, visit http://www.endhomelessness.org/files/1058_file_youth_brief_one.pdf (PDF).

National Conference Materials Around Ending Homelessness for Families and Children
In February 2007, The National Alliance to End Homelessness held its third national conference which was aimed specifically at ending homelessness among families with children. Close to 500 practitioners, advocates, government officials and people experiencing homelessness” attended the conference to explore promising strategies that are reducing homelessness among families. ”Titles of workshops and topics at the conference included, “Homelessness and Substance Abuse,” “Supporting Families with Serious Mental Illness,” Housing for Young Mothers, Providing Mental Health Services, and Homelessness Prevention. The PowerPoint presentations and other conference materials can be accessed on the Alliance’s website at http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/conference/conferences.

October 2007

Involving Youth in the Wraparound Process

Does youth voice really make a difference in the Wraparound planning process? Yes, it does. When wraparound is implemented as intended, youth feel that their voices are heard and that they are full partners throughout the entire care planning process. Involved youth have the ability to influence the services and supports provided to them, which can make a difference.

Community Solutions, a system of care community funded in 2002, collects data to help them monitor the success of wraparound services. In a recent report, Community Solutions noted that youth rated the fidelity of the wraparound process lower than adults whenever they felt their voices weren't heard. It is important that youth are present and engaged during wraparound meetings so that true voice and choice can be a reality.

Adhering to the principles of wraparound is associated with improved outcomes for youth, including better educational outcomes and improved functioning at home, school and in the community. Engaging young people in designing and driving their wrap process will aid them in developing skills that are crucial for positively transitioning out of youth services. In order to maximize on the benefits of the wraparound approach, youth must be authentically involved.

Learn more about the history and philosophical elements of the Wraparound process (PDF).

For more information on involving youth in the wraparound process, contact Reyhan Reid at RReid@air.org or Lorrin Gehring at LGehring@ffcmh.org.

November 2006

Interactive Mental Health Web Site for Youth

Reachout.com is an interactive website that provides valuable information for teenagers to help improve their mental health and wellbeing during the transition-age years. Developed for Australian youth, the materials are useful to any teenager. The site includes coping tips, forums, fact sheets, personal stories as well as resources regarding mental illness, school, employment, stress and relationships. The website was created after the developers conducted research with youth focus groups and determined what appeals to teenagers most when learning about mental health issues.

Reachout plans to develop a similar website in America and will be conducting research here to determine what is best for American teenagers. Therefore, please feel free to send any feedback regarding the website to Dana Crudo, Child & Adolescent Center Program Associate, at danac@nami.org. Thanks!

May 2006

Youth Involvement in Special Education

For a number of years, policy makers and education professionals have been interested in promoting the physical and mental well being of students within the school system—particularly students involved in special education. A child’s physical and mental health can affect his or her learning, so it is vital to promote a positive and healthy school environment. Recently, increased attention has been given to social and emotional learning (SEL) and its potential for creating and sustaining healthy school environments. Healthy school environments foster learning and decrease the amount of time spent on discipline—two benefits that can lead to an increase in academic accomplishment for students. Healthy school environments can be achieved through the collaborative partnerships of students, parents and educators.

Education is the central element in the lives of the majority of children and youth. Students and their parents or guardians should be as equally involved and present in discussions of the student’s individual education plan (IEP) as they are in other decisions affecting the student’s life. Students know what education techniques have and have not worked well for them in the past and can therefore contribute important information to decisions influencing their lives. Educators should take steps to authentically engage youth in the discussion and learn the youth’s opinion about his or her IEP. It is crucial that youth take ownership of their education plans in order to make their learning experiences truly beneficial and ensure the success of their education plans.

The list of resources below can help professionals authentically involve youth in the special education system. These resources are also beneficial tools for youth to learn more about the special education system and how they can use the information to promote change in their lives.

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http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu
The UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools Web site contains a comprehensive list of helpful links and documents to increase understanding of the importance of mental health in schools. This site has an extensive list of resources, publications, and newsletters and an interactive discussion board that cover a wide range of issues concerning youth’s mental health within the school system.

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http://www.ldonline.org/kids
LD Online is an interactive website focused on children and youth with learning disabilities or ADHD. The site includes both introductory and in depth information about learning disabilities and ADHD. It also includes an art gallery, stories submitted by youth, and books of interest to better understand youth experiencing challenges in school. Youth can also submit their own stories and art. The Web site also includes “First Person” essays by adults who have completed their education within the special education system and transitioned into successful adult lives.

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http://www.nichcy.org
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities serves as a national source of information on: disabilities in children and youth of all ages, IDEA, No Child Left Behind as it relates to children with disabilities, and research-based information on effective educational practices. Resources and communication with the Center is available in English of Spanish. The Center also hosts an interactive youth site called “Zigawhat!” Youth can use this site to express their thoughts and concerns with other youth and learn from one another interactively through stories, games, online communities and tips.

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http://www.casel.org/home/index.php
The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASL) is an online center working to establish social and emotional learning as an essential part of education. An extensive list of resources is available on the CASL Web site, allowing visitors to learn the goals and mission of social and emotional learning (SEL) and its importance in the education and community of America’s youth.

March 2006

Abuse and Violation of Rights Toward Youth in Residential Facilities

Cases of abuse towards young people and violations of their rights have been occurring in private residential facilities in shockingly growing numbers over the past several years. These cases have begun to be documented and have brought about movements and legislative actions to end abuse in such facilities. The resources below will provide information on the current movements that are taking place, recent legislative bills that have been proposed, as well as providing forums with other youth and youth advocates; and testimonials of youth who have been involved in abusive programs.

http://cafety.org/
The Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth (CAFETY) is a grassroots, volunteer, youth-initiated organization that is working to create a “youth initiated ‘Care, Not Coercion’ campaign” to highlight and bring to attention the abusive care that can exist in some boot camps, therapeutic boarding schools and other private for profit programs that treat youth. This site offers a variety of information on how to get involved in grassroots efforts to raise awareness regarding the issue of abusive care, tips for calling a member of congress, forums to discuss a variety of issues affecting youth, and up to date news articles.

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http://www.teenadvocatesusa.org/
Teen advocates USA is a not-for-profit children’s rights group that advocates for the rights and fair treatment of youth and children that are placed in privatized residential care facilities. On this site you can find up to date news articles regarding privatized care facilities. There is also a “Consumer Awareness” page that will connect you to links to articles and other websites that will provide information regarding “Restraint and Seclusion”, “Overseas Behavioral Modification Programs”, and other topics.

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http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h109-1738
This is a bill proposed by Congressman George Miller “ To assure the safety of American children in foreign-based and domestic institutions…”
H.R. 1738: End Institutionalized Abuse Against Children Act of 2005

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http://cfs.fmhi.usf.edu/projects/ASTART.htm
The Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment (ASTART) website contains 3 different letters written by Mental Health Professionals, Family Members and Youth in support of a bill proposed by Congressman George Miller. You can also find a Capital Hill press briefing that contains “Perspectives on Unregulated Private Residential Treatment Facilities.” You will find perspectives given in the briefing from psychiatrists, psychologists, youth who have been in such programs, and family members. On this site there is a link to a fact sheet that provides information on what to be aware of when looking into placement at residential facilities. It also provides information on who to contact to “gain assistance in dealing with issues relating to residential treatment.”

January 2006

Positive youth development and Juvenile Justice

Young people in the juvenile justice system often do not receive positive youth development opportunities. A Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach has been shown to be effective in working with vulnerable youth and is beginning to be applied to services for youth in the juvenile justice system. The resources listed below support the PYD approach and provide examples and resources for application.

Issue Brief: Focusing Juvenile Justice on Positive Youth Development

This issue brief was developed by the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago. Abstract: “ The concepts underlying positive youth development are beginning to have an impact on how policymakers, practitioners, and community members think about adolescent development and the methods of encouraging youth to achieve healthy transitions to adulthood. Despite the growing acceptance of these goals by some sectors in the social services system, juvenile justice programs are largely focused on the traditional goals of law enforcement -- detection, suppression, supervision, and punishment. This issue brief examines how juvenile justice agencies might draw from the growing body of evidence on positive youth development to improve services for youthful offenders.”

Read the Brief (registration is required, but free)

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What is Positive Youth Development?

This fact Sheet on Positive Youth Development was developed by the US Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

View the fact sheet at http://www.ncfy.com/ydfactsh.htm

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Juvenile Justice and Positive Youth Development

This report addresses two fundamental questions: (1) Is there a place for positive youth development in juvenile justice, a system that exists to respond to negative behavior?; (2) if so, is there any chance that positive youth development (PYD) will become central to the juvenile justice culture (as opposed to a characteristic of an exemplary program here or there)? The report concludes that the tenets of positive youth development are more applicable in work with youth who are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system than with those who are already inside the formal system. The author gives proposals for how to authentically implement PYD strategies to curb risky behaviors of youth and to provide hope for those already within the juvenile justice system.

To read this report, visit http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/74_sup/ydv_7.pdf

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Leadership and Youth Development

This document provides an overview of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Model Programs Guide. It documents the philosophical shift in the juvenile justice system, from focusing on the deficits of youth to focusing on positive interventions for youth that concentrate on improvements in education, social competencies, employability, and other life skills.

To view this document, visit http://www.dsgonline.com/mpg2.5/leadership_development_prevention.htm

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Youth Development as Violence Intervention Model Fact Sheet

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center’s Youth Fact Sheet presents ways in which positive youth development can play a key role in violence prevention. It also discusses the ways in which this approach differs from the traditional deficit model. The fact sheet provides an overview of the model, related publications, federal responses, and resources.

To view the fact sheet, visit http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/facts/dev.asp

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Can Positive Youth Development Improve Juvenile Justice?

This Web site contains the audio recordings from the Urban Institute’s January 2006 Thursday’s Child public discussion series on positive youth development in the juvenile justice system. Description: “Youth crime has declined for much of the past decade, but analysts don't expect the good news to last forever. This panel discussed intervention programs built around concepts of positive youth development, a promising new approach to making juvenile justice more effective. The programs suggest that children develop into successful adults by working through a sequence of developmental stages in which they gradually acquire capacities for reason, self-respect, and personal and social responsibility.”

To listen to these recordings, visit http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/thursdayschild/jan2006.cfm

November 2005

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) Resources

Despite progress that has been made in recent years, GLBTQ youth are still ostracized by a large segment of society and face overt and subtle forms of discrimination every day. It is imperative that system of care communities make it a goal to create safe and welcoming spaces for GLBTQ youth and incorporate aspects of GLBTQ youth culture. There are many resources available on the web that introduce and educate youth-serving organizations about the unique issues that GLBTQ youth face, advocate for GLBTQ rights and create online communities where GLBTQ youth can find support from peers and adult advocates.

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm

Advocates for Youth covers an extensive variety of GLBTQ issues. The site includes fact sheets on issues that GLBTQ youth face such as coming out to family and friends, dangerous school environments, unique issues concerning GLBTQ of color, and substance abuse. The site also offers “Issues at a Glance” and “From Research to Practice,” articles that offer tips and strategies for addressing the needs of GLBTQ youth, taking steps to achieve cultural competency, and creating inclusive programs. The site also provides a link to its sister site, YouthResource, where message boards and additional peer supports are available: www.youthresource.com

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http://www.lgbthealth.net/downloads/research/AdvocatesforYouth.pdf

This edition of the Transitions newsletter deals with the topic of respecting the rights of GLBTQ youth. The newsletter lists “best approaches” for successfully serving GLBTQ youth, GLBTQ youth of color, HIV-positive youth, transgender youth, and young people who question their sexual orientation. In addition the newsletter offers factual information about the realities that GLTBQ youth face and risks to their well-being.

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http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/safespace/index.htm

This toolkit assists youth-serving professionals with creating a safe space for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Topics covered include:

Educating youth to understand and support their GLBTQ peers
Redressing homophobia and creating awareness among staff
Becoming a GLBTQ ally

July 2005

Information for parents on involving their youth in decision making

This series, developed by Community Youth Connection, is directed toward parents of youth who are interested in supporting their active role in the decision making process. These four newsletters focus on various aspects of decision making, from personal to community and policy levels.

Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #1: Getting Started

As the first newsletter of the series, this issue focuses on starting the process which will help parents encourage their teens to learn good decision making skills. By including teenagers in big and small family decisions, parents can keep their teenagers involved in the family and help develop critical skills that will lead the way to becoming responsible adults. The newsletter offers strategies for involving teens in family decisions that focus on ensuring that teens take an interest in family life.

To view Issue #1 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%201%20web.pdf

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Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #2: Parent-Child Communication

This issue focuses on cultivating communication skills between parents and their teenagers. The newsletter offers suggestions from experts and research in youth development on how to communicate effectively. The issue also includes “Tips from Teens” on effective ways that parents can include teenagers in discussion about family decision making and examples of conversation starters.

To view Issue #2 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%202%20web.pdf

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Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #3: Development and Decision Making

Issue #3 deals with developing decision making skills as your teenager matures and faces new challenges. The newsletter discusses how teens develop in four areas: physical, cognitive, moral and social/emotional and how these changes affect decision making.

To view Issue #3 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%203%20web.pdf

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Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #4: Teen Decision Making at the Community Level

The final issue focuses on how parents can involved youth in decision making outside of the family unit. The issue discusses ways in which young people can have a positive effect on their communities and develop life skills at the same time. It also talks about how parents can get their teens involved. The information emphasizes involving teenagers in community decisions that affect them. The issue also suggests various community organizations in which urban, suburban and rural teens can become involved.

To view Issue #4 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%204%20web.pdf

March 2005

Youth Involvement in the Decision-making Process

Council of Michigan Foundations. (n.d). Guidelines and resources for establishing a youth advisory council. Grand Haven, MI: Council of Michigan Foundations.

This document addresses issues surrounding youth involvement in advisory committees. It reveals successful ways to establish youth advisory committees in community organizations, providing a real “how to” approach for those with little-to-no experience in this area.

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Do Something, Inc. (n.d.). How-to guide and summary of research on recruiting, involving and developing young leaders in community organizations. New York, NY: Do Something, Inc.

This guide, based on a national research project, looks at strategies for involving youth in community-building activities. It provides community organizations with tips and techniques for building successful relationships with youth that will foster enhanced community development.

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Youth On Board. (1999). Youth governance: 14 points to successfully involving young people in decision-making. Somerville, MA: Author.

When it comes decision-making, the youth voice often gets lost. Though it can be difficult to fully involve young people in this process, it is essential to keep them involved as the decisions can greatly affect their lives. In order to make sure their ideas, experiences, and opinions are accounted for when it comes time to make decisions, this document provides important information on how to involve young people in the decision-making process.

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Zeldin, S., McDaniel, A., Topitzes, D., & Calvert, M. (2000). Youth in decision-making: A study on the impacts of youth on adults in organizations. Madison, WI: National 4-H Council, University of Wisconsin Extension.

Bringing youth to the table when it comes time to make decisions is no easy task, but it can bring about great results. This study looks at the effects of involving young people in decision-making and the impact on both community organizations and community change.

January 2005

Hoover , A., & Weisenbach, A. (1999). Youth leading now! Securing a place at the table. New Designs for Youth Development, 15 (3), 29–35. Retrieved on October 28, 2004, from http://www.cydjournal.org/NewDesigns/ND_99Sum/Hoover.html .

As the youth movement continues to gain momentum, it is important that we continue to develop resources aimed at addressing the needs of successful youth-adult governance. This article offers examples of success stories, tips on the “DOs and DON'Ts” of youth-adult partnership, and suggestions on ways to support youth governance.

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Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development. (2001). At the table: Making the case for youth in decision-making research highlights from a study on the impacts of youth on adults and organizations. Chevy Chase, MD : Innovation Center (available online at www.theinnovationcenter.org).

While involving young people in the decision-making process has been shown to promote positive development, there are a number of lesser known benefits. This study shows that the benefits of youth involvement are felt not only by the young people themselves, but are seen in the adults with whom they work and in the organizations in which they invest their time. The study reveals that involving young people in the governance of youth organizations is a practice that really makes sense.

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Mohamed, I.A., Wheeler, W. (2001). Broadening the bounds of youth development: Youth as engaged citizens. A Joint Publication of The Ford Foundation (New York) and The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development (Chevy Chase, MD). Retrieved here (PDF) on October 28, 2004.

Civic engagement is re-emerging as a way for young people to develop their leadership skills while helping to create change in their communities. This paper explores the benefits of civic engagement for young people, suggests ways to promote civic involvement, and explores the various ways youth can become involved in their communities.

November 2004

How do you get youth involved in evaluation?

The techniques and findings described in each of these articles are transferable to youth involvement within systems of care.

Checkoway, B., & Richards-Schuster, U. K. (2003). Youth participation in community evaluation research. American Journal of Evaluation, 24 (1), 21–33. http://www.ssw.umich.edu/youthandcommunity/pubs/AJE_Paper.pdf

Though young people currently participate in evaluation research, they are often not fully utilized or appreciated for all that they can provide. This paper explores some of the positive features of youth participation and identifies roles for youth in evaluation research, illustrating these points with an example program.

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Horsch, K., Little, P., Smith, J., Goodyear, L., & Harris, E. (2002). Youth involvement in evaluation and research. The Evaluation Exchange, 1 , 1–8 . Cambridge , MA : Harvard Family Research Project, Harvard Graduate School of Education. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~hfrp/content/projects/afterschool/resources/issuebrief1.pdf

This brief looks at a number of “youth as researcher” projects, providing information on the evolution of such programs and what makes them successful. It concludes with insight into the organizational culture of youth serving organizations and provides information on the various organizations represented in the brief.

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London , J. (2000). The experience of youth in focus: Youth development through youth-led research, evaluation and planning. Focal Point: A National Bulletin on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, 14, 35–36. Retrieved October 28, 2004, from http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPubsScript.php?documentID=347&choice=download

For ten years, Youth in Focus has worked to strengthen youth-serving organizations and enhance youth development by building the leadership capacity of youth and the capacity of the youth-serving institutions to integrate and sustain youth leadership. This article will provide a brief overview of Youth in Focus' services and their positive effects. The article concludes with observations about the implications of the Youth REP (research, evaluation, and planning) process for the youth development field, and in particular, its applications to mental health.

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	September 2008 Teen Ink Teen Ink, 2008 This is a teen magazine, book series, and Web site devoted entirely to teenage writing and art. It offers youth the opportunity to have their creative work and opinions published and shared with other youth, teachers, and many others across the country. The National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth The National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth, 2008 A free information service for communities, organizations, and individuals interested in developing new and effective strategies for supporting young people and their families. Contains a fact sheet on positive youth development, as well as a range of nationally recognized publications and fact sheets for young people. Youth Infusion Youth Infusion, 2008 This is an organization created and run by young people that works to support youth as decision-makers, advocates, and community change-agents. Specializes in long-term organizational change and can assist organizations in assessing their readiness to engage young people and help design and implement youth-adult engagement models. Youth Forum Guide (PDF) Act for Youth Walks through the steps to create a youth forum and includes examples of documents that can be used for forums including permission slips, evaluations, agendas, role identifications, and much more. July/August 2008 Keeping in Touch (PDF) This brochure provides tips on transitioning to independent living. Developed using the voice of youth, the examples in this brochure represent youth from varied cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Mentoring Children of Prisoners Mentoring programs are credited with contributing to the positive social and emotional development of youth and helping to reduce rates of first time drug and alcohol use, improving academic performance, and reducing the likelihood that youth will initiate violence. The mentoring resources highlighted here have been developed under the National Clearinghouse on Family and Youth’s Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program. Materials address elements of successful mentoring programs, links to model programs, and technical assistance resources. Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Training The Institute for Intergovernmental Research along with several national partners will be holding Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Training at twelve regional locations (PDF) this summer. The goal of these trainings is to improve the level of knowledge, communication, and collaboration needed to address criminal gang issues that affect communities throughout the nation. The curriculum is based on current policies and proven practices and strategies in the criminal justice field. Training topics will cover why kids join gangs, characteristics of armed gang members, and overview of gang prevention, among others. TeensHealth KidsHealth is the largest and most-visited site on the Web providing doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. Physicians and other health experts review all content before it's published on KidsHealth. KidsHealth has separate areas for kids, teens and parents. The TeensHealth section is an interactive site filled with games, animations, quizzes, fact sheets, and many other resources. In the TeensHealth section you will find numerous articles and resources on topics including exercise and nutrition, depression, drugs and alcohol, sexual health, and even recipes. There is also a page that provides information for preparing for college, volunteering, finding a job and even tips for taking tests and studying. June 2008 At The Table At the Table provides resources and information about how to effectively engage young people in decision-making. At the Table was formed to facilitate a coordinated, sustainable national youth participation movement. They work with partners across the country to educate and inform about the value of youth participation as well as to prepare youth and adults to work together to create positive change. On atthetable.org you will be able to search an online “youth voice” database to find out what organizations are doing in your State and community to involve youth. An online catalog is also available on the Web site that allows you access to numerous resources, tools and trainings for youth engagement. The Girls’ Justice Initiative The Girls’ Justice Initiative (GJI), recently launched their new Web site. The GJI is a national collaboration of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting equity and justice for girls involved in the juvenile justice and related systems. Their mission is to ensure that girls in the system receive treatment that is responsive to their needs and nurtures their strengths. The Web site features different publications, factsheets, resources from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as well as links to other organizations devoted to girls’ issues. Engaging Youth: A How-To Guide for Creating Opportunities for Young People to Participate, Lead and Succeed (PDF) This paper from the Sierra Health Foundation provides an overview of the principles of youth leadership as well as a collection of resources, tools, and strategies geared towards adults and youth. The diverse offering of materials and strategies assembled in this document are geared towards youth and adults, with highlights from programs located in the Sacramento, California area. *Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit* This resource toolkit available from Advocates for Youth provides ice breakers, educational lessons, and advocacy guides for youth passionate about GLBTQ issues. The lessons help young people understand the impact of homophobia and transphobia and help them learn how they can get involved to create a safe space for GLBTQ youth. May 2008 The National Wraparound Initiative The National Wraparound Initiative (NWI) began in 2003 when the Portland State University Research and Training Center came together with parent advocates, wraparound trainers, and other committed organizations and individuals to address challenges related to defining and implementing wraparound. Since then NWI has developed meaningful products, resources, and workgroups dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of wraparound. The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development Based in Takoma Park, Maryland, The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development develops resources, strategies, and partnerships in the areas of youth and civic activism, service learning, community development, organizational development, youth development, leadership development, and program evaluation. The Center’s Web site boasts a wealth of resources on youth development and youth voice, many of which can be accessed online free of charge. The following are selected resources which may be useful to many systems of care partners interested in youth involvement. Video: Youth and Adult Partnerships This ten-minute video features young people and adults speaking about the importance of youth and adult partnerships. Creating Change: How Organizations Connect with Youth, Build Communities and Strengthen Themselves (PDF) This document uses specific examples to highlight strategies organizations employ to engage and empower youth to get involved in community change. Youth Involvement in Decision-Making (PDF) This document explores the significant contributions youth make to individuals and organizations when they are meaningfully involved. April 2008 Students Against Destructive Decisions Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, was founded on the philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force in prevention. SADD has become a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, teen violence, and teen depression and suicide. Get Your Youth Groups Started! Youth Venture provides resources, tools, and funds for youth-led social change initiatives addressing social issues of concern to youth. Visitors to their Web site have the opportunity to learn about how they can get support to start youth-led groups, access to funding, allies and mentors, connections to others in youth-led movements, and more. Video: Youth Participation in Planning: Why it Matters The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health at Portland State University recently released a dynamic video that speaks to the importance of youth involvement in decisions about their treatment, care, education and future. The video features youth who, in their own words and with stories from their own lives, describe what it feels like not to have any say in the plans that are made for their lives. It also features the stories of caregivers, and providers who have had positive experiences with youth involvement in life planning processes. No Longer Alone – Resources for Rural Sexual Minority Youth The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) advocates in support of and in partnership with young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ). NYAC’s Web site offers a wealth of resources available to support GLBTQ youth, including the resource manual, No Longer Alone. The manual is designed to help GLBTQ youth and those who serve them meet the challenges of life in rural areas. The manual also provides contact information for organizations which help to address the unique needs of GLBTQ youth in rural areas. March 2008 Promoting Positive Youth Development in Your Community What is Positive Youth Development? How do you identify the strengths of young people? What is youth involvement, really? How can adults successfully partner with youth? Answers to these questions as well as many strategies for applying a positive youth development approach to working with youth can be found in the Positive Youth Development Resource Manual developed by Assets Coming Together (ACT) for youth. Research-Based Youth Engagement Strategies (PDF) A common challenge in systems of care is not whether to engage youth, but how to do so in a manner that can be sustained. This resource kit, Say Y.E.S to Youth: Youth Engagement Strategies, helps communities identify specific strategies for building effective partnerships between youth and adults to accomplish shared goals in your community. The resource kit includes exercises and sample documents to help prepare for, support, and maintain youth involvement in your work. Youth Policy Action Center The Youth Policy Action Center is a Web site designed to engage young people in democracy. It offers a broad range of tools that make it possible to be proactively involved in advocacy and learn more about issues that matter to youth. The site is a great resource for helping to empower youth voice in your community. Engaging Young People in Social Change Censorship, sex education, curfews, and homelessness are just a few of the broad range of issues in which youth around the world are passionately engaged. The FreeChild Project lists examples of topics that interest youth who care about change in their communities as well as Web sites, publications, and examples that speak to these issues. Create your own list of topics or check out The FreeChild Project’s list for ideas and connections that may appeal to young people in your community. February 2008 Creative Presentation Resources, Inc. Professional trainer and communications expert Bob Lucas has provided a virtual presenter's, educator's and trainer's warehouse of items for anyone needing creative training and presentation products, ideas, and techniques to enhance any working or learning environment. There are many items from which to choose, from inspirational music CDs, Jeopardy to original books by Robert Lucas himself such as the Creative Training Idea Book and training programs. These items and many more can assist with engagement activities that youth coordinators can use in their trainings and youth group. Training Engagement Tools To be truly youth-guided we must tailor our presentations and group activities to engage and meet the needs of young people. The Bob Pike group offers trainings on interactive presenting, as well as an e-store rich in presenter books and toolkits. There are many items from which to choose, including books on Ice Breakers and warm up activities, 101 Movie Clips that Teach and Train and training toolkits. These items and many more can assist with engagement activities that youth coordinators can use in their trainings and youth groups. Global Youth Services Day is April 25-27 The 9th annual Global Youth Services Day (GYSD) will be taking place April 25-27, 2008 in countries all over the world. GYSD is an annual global event organized by Youth Service America and the Global Youth Action Network, together with numerous international organizations and national coordinating committees that celebrates, recognizes and mobilizes the contributions of young people to build their communities and their world through voluntary service and the contributions made by the community for empowering young people. On the GYSD Web site you will find information on activities that have taken place on GYSD in the past, as well as tools and documents to assist you in planning an event for this year. One of the tools available is an interactive tool called Project Plan that walks you though the steps to planning a service project from beginning to end. There is also a section on the Web page that includes several documents containing information such as basic facts about GYSD, Strategies to Support Ongoing Social and Economic Initiatives and a whole section with various tip sheets containing information on strategic planning, project and community mapping, and preparation for GYSD. GYSD is an opportunity to celebrate your youth and your community. Don’t miss out! National 4-H Extension Announces New Online Youth Development Journal (Free registration required) The latest issue of the Journal of Youth Development: Bridging Research and Practice, published by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, is now available online. Articles that may be of particular interest include: • Rural After-School Programs: Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Youth and Their Families • Developmentally-Responsive Relationships During After School • Addressing the Needs of Children of Offenders: The 4-H LIFE Model December 2007/January 2008 New Publications on Youth Involvement Portland State University (PSU) Researching and Training Center has developed two new publications on youth involvement. The first publication, Best Practices for Increasing Meaningful Youth Participation in Collaborative Team Planning, shares information about how to create plans with youth, so that youth see the plans as “a means to help them move towards important life goals.” PSU has also created a Self-Assessment Quiz designed to help organizations identify their strengths regarding youth participation, as well as areas in which they can improve. PSU is currently developing a third piece in the series, titled Involving youth in planning for their education, treatment and services: Research tells us we should be doing better. Created in a user-friendly format, this booklet uses findings from relevant research to answer a series of questions, including: Aren't we already involving youth in planning? Can all youth really participate meaningfully in planning? What are the benefits from involving youth in planning? The booklet asserts that the research that is available indicates that involving youth meaningfully—and successfully—is quite possible. This research also indicates that doing so provides important benefits for the youth and his or her caregivers and providers. References are also provided so users can consult the original studies for further information. This booklet will be available online sometime in mid-to-late December or January. Access these publications . National Newspaper Focusing on Youth Issues Youth Today is an independent, national monthly newspaper that is entirely focused on youth issues. Some of the issues that have been covered in the newspaper include youth development, juvenile justice, gang and violence prevention, teen pregnancy, sex and parenting, after-school programs and job training, best practices and many others. Examples of the many resources available in the newspaper include: An extensive calendar of workshops and conferences related to professional development, youth issues and working with youth; Contact information for foundations interested in youth development issues and listings of recent grant awards to youth-serving organizations; Book and video reviews for use with staff and youth; Analysis of groundbreaking research in the youth services field; and Coverage of federal and State legislative issues concerning youth. Visit the Youth Today Web site. Wanted: Youth Leaders! The National Youth Leadership Network promotes youth leadership development, education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among young people with disabilities, including youth with mental illness. Membership in the network provides opportunities for youth to get involved in advocacy and policy development on local, State and national levels. Visit the National Youth Leadership Network. Clearinghouse for Sustaining and Expanding Youth Programs and Policies The Finance Project and The Forum for Youth Investment have partnered to support and sustain youth programs with data, tools, strategies, and other resources. The clearinghouse was designed to meet the needs of program developers and managers, intermediaries, funders and policymakers. Access the Clearinghouse. November 2007 Choosing Your Therapist and Do You Feel Me? The Youth Task Force in San Francisco has been working hard at developing tools to help youth get the most of their experience in therapy. To this end they have partnered with leaders in their communities to create Choosing Your Therapist and Do You Feel Me? Choosing Your Therapist is a tool that is designed to help young people find therapists that are well matched to their needs and preferences. The forms allow youth to indicate their preferences relating to gender, age, language, location for therapy appointments, and more. Do you Feel Me? is used as a way to help therapists and youth build a connection prior to beginning an appointment. Youth fill this form out prior to beginning a session, indicating their mood and reason for their mood prior to beginning a session, whether or not they are hungry and whether or not they really want to be there at the moment. This allows the youth and therapist to address issues that may get in the way of a productive appointment before beginning. Both tools were developed by the Youth Task Force, consisting of youth consumers involved in multiple systems, including mental health, juvenile justice, and foster care. The process for developing these products began with brainstorming, followed by listening to young people’s stories about mental health, talking with therapists, drafting, and designing and revising the forms. This process lasted for approximately one year and could not have been completed without the successful collaboration of youth, therapists, and leadership within the Office of Mental Health. Samples of these forms are available for download here (PDF). To learn more about these forms or the process for developing something similar in your system of care, contact Victor Damian, Youth Coordinator with Children’s System of Care, at Victor.Damian@sfdph.org or 415.920.7715. Fundamental Issues to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness This National Alliance to End Homelessness developed brief, Fundamental Issues to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness details the leading causes and characteristics of youth homelessness as well as provides a checklist of “ten essentials” that every community needs in order to prevent and end youth homelessness. The brief also offers an introductory explanation of the youth housing continuum, a development model for stable and supportive housing for young adults and policy implications regarding youth homelessness. To access this brief, visit http://www.endhomelessness.org/files/1058_file_youth_brief_one.pdf (PDF). National Conference Materials Around Ending Homelessness for Families and Children In February 2007, The National Alliance to End Homelessness held its third national conference which was aimed specifically at ending homelessness among families with children. Close to 500 practitioners, advocates, government officials and people experiencing homelessness” attended the conference to explore promising strategies that are reducing homelessness among families. ”Titles of workshops and topics at the conference included, “Homelessness and Substance Abuse,” “Supporting Families with Serious Mental Illness,” Housing for Young Mothers, Providing Mental Health Services, and Homelessness Prevention. The PowerPoint presentations and other conference materials can be accessed on the Alliance’s website at http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/conference/conferences. October 2007 Involving Youth in the Wraparound Process Does youth voice really make a difference in the Wraparound planning process? Yes, it does. When wraparound is implemented as intended, youth feel that their voices are heard and that they are full partners throughout the entire care planning process. Involved youth have the ability to influence the services and supports provided to them, which can make a difference. Community Solutions, a system of care community funded in 2002, collects data to help them monitor the success of wraparound services. In a recent report, Community Solutions noted that youth rated the fidelity of the wraparound process lower than adults whenever they felt their voices weren't heard. It is important that youth are present and engaged during wraparound meetings so that true voice and choice can be a reality. Adhering to the principles of wraparound is associated with improved outcomes for youth, including better educational outcomes and improved functioning at home, school and in the community. Engaging young people in designing and driving their wrap process will aid them in developing skills that are crucial for positively transitioning out of youth services. In order to maximize on the benefits of the wraparound approach, youth must be authentically involved. Learn more about the history and philosophical elements of the Wraparound process (PDF). For more information on involving youth in the wraparound process, contact Reyhan Reid at RReid@air.org or Lorrin Gehring at LGehring@ffcmh.org. November 2006 Interactive Mental Health Web Site for Youth Reachout.com is an interactive website that provides valuable information for teenagers to help improve their mental health and wellbeing during the transition-age years. Developed for Australian youth, the materials are useful to any teenager. The site includes coping tips, forums, fact sheets, personal stories as well as resources regarding mental illness, school, employment, stress and relationships. The website was created after the developers conducted research with youth focus groups and determined what appeals to teenagers most when learning about mental health issues. Reachout plans to develop a similar website in America and will be conducting research here to determine what is best for American teenagers. Therefore, please feel free to send any feedback regarding the website to Dana Crudo, Child & Adolescent Center Program Associate, at danac@nami.org. Thanks! May 2006 Youth Involvement in Special Education For a number of years, policy makers and education professionals have been interested in promoting the physical and mental well being of students within the school system—particularly students involved in special education. A child’s physical and mental health can affect his or her learning, so it is vital to promote a positive and healthy school environment. Recently, increased attention has been given to social and emotional learning (SEL) and its potential for creating and sustaining healthy school environments. Healthy school environments foster learning and decrease the amount of time spent on discipline—two benefits that can lead to an increase in academic accomplishment for students. Healthy school environments can be achieved through the collaborative partnerships of students, parents and educators. Education is the central element in the lives of the majority of children and youth. Students and their parents or guardians should be as equally involved and present in discussions of the student’s individual education plan (IEP) as they are in other decisions affecting the student’s life. Students know what education techniques have and have not worked well for them in the past and can therefore contribute important information to decisions influencing their lives. Educators should take steps to authentically engage youth in the discussion and learn the youth’s opinion about his or her IEP. It is crucial that youth take ownership of their education plans in order to make their learning experiences truly beneficial and ensure the success of their education plans. The list of resources below can help professionals authentically involve youth in the special education system. These resources are also beneficial tools for youth to learn more about the special education system and how they can use the information to promote change in their lives. * http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu The UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools Web site contains a comprehensive list of helpful links and documents to increase understanding of the importance of mental health in schools. This site has an extensive list of resources, publications, and newsletters and an interactive discussion board that cover a wide range of issues concerning youth’s mental health within the school system. * http://www.ldonline.org/kids LD Online is an interactive website focused on children and youth with learning disabilities or ADHD. The site includes both introductory and in depth information about learning disabilities and ADHD. It also includes an art gallery, stories submitted by youth, and books of interest to better understand youth experiencing challenges in school. Youth can also submit their own stories and art. The Web site also includes “First Person” essays by adults who have completed their education within the special education system and transitioned into successful adult lives. * http://www.nichcy.org The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities serves as a national source of information on: disabilities in children and youth of all ages, IDEA, No Child Left Behind as it relates to children with disabilities, and research-based information on effective educational practices. Resources and communication with the Center is available in English of Spanish. The Center also hosts an interactive youth site called “Zigawhat!” Youth can use this site to express their thoughts and concerns with other youth and learn from one another interactively through stories, games, online communities and tips. * http://www.casel.org/home/index.php The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASL) is an online center working to establish social and emotional learning as an essential part of education. An extensive list of resources is available on the CASL Web site, allowing visitors to learn the goals and mission of social and emotional learning (SEL) and its importance in the education and community of America’s youth. March 2006 Abuse and Violation of Rights Toward Youth in Residential Facilities Cases of abuse towards young people and violations of their rights have been occurring in private residential facilities in shockingly growing numbers over the past several years. These cases have begun to be documented and have brought about movements and legislative actions to end abuse in such facilities. The resources below will provide information on the current movements that are taking place, recent legislative bills that have been proposed, as well as providing forums with other youth and youth advocates; and testimonials of youth who have been involved in abusive programs. http://cafety.org/ The Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth (CAFETY) is a grassroots, volunteer, youth-initiated organization that is working to create a “youth initiated ‘Care, Not Coercion’ campaign” to highlight and bring to attention the abusive care that can exist in some boot camps, therapeutic boarding schools and other private for profit programs that treat youth. This site offers a variety of information on how to get involved in grassroots efforts to raise awareness regarding the issue of abusive care, tips for calling a member of congress, forums to discuss a variety of issues affecting youth, and up to date news articles. * http://www.teenadvocatesusa.org/ Teen advocates USA is a not-for-profit children’s rights group that advocates for the rights and fair treatment of youth and children that are placed in privatized residential care facilities. On this site you can find up to date news articles regarding privatized care facilities. There is also a “Consumer Awareness” page that will connect you to links to articles and other websites that will provide information regarding “Restraint and Seclusion”, “Overseas Behavioral Modification Programs”, and other topics. * http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h109-1738 This is a bill proposed by Congressman George Miller “ To assure the safety of American children in foreign-based and domestic institutions…” H.R. 1738: End Institutionalized Abuse Against Children Act of 2005 * http://cfs.fmhi.usf.edu/projects/ASTART.htm The Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment (ASTART) website contains 3 different letters written by Mental Health Professionals, Family Members and Youth in support of a bill proposed by Congressman George Miller. You can also find a Capital Hill press briefing that contains “Perspectives on Unregulated Private Residential Treatment Facilities.” You will find perspectives given in the briefing from psychiatrists, psychologists, youth who have been in such programs, and family members. On this site there is a link to a fact sheet that provides information on what to be aware of when looking into placement at residential facilities. It also provides information on who to contact to “gain assistance in dealing with issues relating to residential treatment.” January 2006 Positive youth development and Juvenile Justice Young people in the juvenile justice system often do not receive positive youth development opportunities. A Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach has been shown to be effective in working with vulnerable youth and is beginning to be applied to services for youth in the juvenile justice system. The resources listed below support the PYD approach and provide examples and resources for application. Issue Brief: Focusing Juvenile Justice on Positive Youth Development This issue brief was developed by the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago. Abstract: “ The concepts underlying positive youth development are beginning to have an impact on how policymakers, practitioners, and community members think about adolescent development and the methods of encouraging youth to achieve healthy transitions to adulthood. Despite the growing acceptance of these goals by some sectors in the social services system, juvenile justice programs are largely focused on the traditional goals of law enforcement -- detection, suppression, supervision, and punishment. This issue brief examines how juvenile justice agencies might draw from the growing body of evidence on positive youth development to improve services for youthful offenders.” Read the Brief (registration is required, but free) * What is Positive Youth Development? This fact Sheet on Positive Youth Development was developed by the US Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families. View the fact sheet at http://www.ncfy.com/ydfactsh.htm * Juvenile Justice and Positive Youth Development This report addresses two fundamental questions: (1) Is there a place for positive youth development in juvenile justice, a system that exists to respond to negative behavior?; (2) if so, is there any chance that positive youth development (PYD) will become central to the juvenile justice culture (as opposed to a characteristic of an exemplary program here or there)? The report concludes that the tenets of positive youth development are more applicable in work with youth who are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system than with those who are already inside the formal system. The author gives proposals for how to authentically implement PYD strategies to curb risky behaviors of youth and to provide hope for those already within the juvenile justice system. To read this report, visit http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/74_sup/ydv_7.pdf * Leadership and Youth Development This document provides an overview of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Model Programs Guide. It documents the philosophical shift in the juvenile justice system, from focusing on the deficits of youth to focusing on positive interventions for youth that concentrate on improvements in education, social competencies, employability, and other life skills. To view this document, visit http://www.dsgonline.com/mpg2.5/leadership_development_prevention.htm * Youth Development as Violence Intervention Model Fact Sheet The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center’s Youth Fact Sheet presents ways in which positive youth development can play a key role in violence prevention. It also discusses the ways in which this approach differs from the traditional deficit model. The fact sheet provides an overview of the model, related publications, federal responses, and resources. To view the fact sheet, visit http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/facts/dev.asp * Can Positive Youth Development Improve Juvenile Justice? This Web site contains the audio recordings from the Urban Institute’s January 2006 Thursday’s Child public discussion series on positive youth development in the juvenile justice system. Description: “Youth crime has declined for much of the past decade, but analysts don't expect the good news to last forever. This panel discussed intervention programs built around concepts of positive youth development, a promising new approach to making juvenile justice more effective. The programs suggest that children develop into successful adults by working through a sequence of developmental stages in which they gradually acquire capacities for reason, self-respect, and personal and social responsibility.” To listen to these recordings, visit http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/thursdayschild/jan2006.cfm November 2005 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) Resources Despite progress that has been made in recent years, GLBTQ youth are still ostracized by a large segment of society and face overt and subtle forms of discrimination every day. It is imperative that system of care communities make it a goal to create safe and welcoming spaces for GLBTQ youth and incorporate aspects of GLBTQ youth culture. There are many resources available on the web that introduce and educate youth-serving organizations about the unique issues that GLBTQ youth face, advocate for GLBTQ rights and create online communities where GLBTQ youth can find support from peers and adult advocates. http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm Advocates for Youth covers an extensive variety of GLBTQ issues. The site includes fact sheets on issues that GLBTQ youth face such as coming out to family and friends, dangerous school environments, unique issues concerning GLBTQ of color, and substance abuse. The site also offers “Issues at a Glance” and “From Research to Practice,” articles that offer tips and strategies for addressing the needs of GLBTQ youth, taking steps to achieve cultural competency, and creating inclusive programs. The site also provides a link to its sister site, YouthResource, where message boards and additional peer supports are available: www.youthresource.com *** http://www.lgbthealth.net/downloads/research/AdvocatesforYouth.pdf This edition of the Transitions newsletter deals with the topic of respecting the rights of GLBTQ youth. The newsletter lists “best approaches” for successfully serving GLBTQ youth, GLBTQ youth of color, HIV-positive youth, transgender youth, and young people who question their sexual orientation. In addition the newsletter offers factual information about the realities that GLTBQ youth face and risks to their well-being. * http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/safespace/index.htm This toolkit assists youth-serving professionals with creating a safe space for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Topics covered include: Educating youth to understand and support their GLBTQ peers Redressing homophobia and creating awareness among staff Becoming a GLBTQ ally July 2005 Information for parents on involving their youth in decision making This series, developed by Community Youth Connection, is directed toward parents of youth who are interested in supporting their active role in the decision making process. These four newsletters focus on various aspects of decision making, from personal to community and policy levels. Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #1: Getting Started As the first newsletter of the series, this issue focuses on starting the process which will help parents encourage their teens to learn good decision making skills. By including teenagers in big and small family decisions, parents can keep their teenagers involved in the family and help develop critical skills that will lead the way to becoming responsible adults. The newsletter offers strategies for involving teens in family decisions that focus on ensuring that teens take an interest in family life. To view Issue #1 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%201%20web.pdf * Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #2: Parent-Child Communication This issue focuses on cultivating communication skills between parents and their teenagers. The newsletter offers suggestions from experts and research in youth development on how to communicate effectively. The issue also includes “Tips from Teens” on effective ways that parents can include teenagers in discussion about family decision making and examples of conversation starters. To view Issue #2 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%202%20web.pdf * Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #3: Development and Decision Making Issue #3 deals with developing decision making skills as your teenager matures and faces new challenges. The newsletter discusses how teens develop in four areas: physical, cognitive, moral and social/emotional and how these changes affect decision making. To view Issue #3 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%203%20web.pdf * Involving Your Teen in Decision Making Issue #4: Teen Decision Making at the Community Level The final issue focuses on how parents can involved youth in decision making outside of the family unit. The issue discusses ways in which young people can have a positive effect on their communities and develop life skills at the same time. It also talks about how parents can get their teens involved. The information emphasizes involving teenagers in community decisions that affect them. The issue also suggests various community organizations in which urban, suburban and rural teens can become involved. To view Issue #4 issue, visit http://www.actforyouth.net/documents/Issue%204%20web.pdf March 2005 Youth Involvement in the Decision-making Process Council of Michigan Foundations. (n.d). Guidelines and resources for establishing a youth advisory council. Grand Haven, MI: Council of Michigan Foundations. This document addresses issues surrounding youth involvement in advisory committees. It reveals successful ways to establish youth advisory committees in community organizations, providing a real “how to” approach for those with little-to-no experience in this area. *** Do Something, Inc. (n.d.). How-to guide and summary of research on recruiting, involving and developing young leaders in community organizations. New York, NY: Do Something, Inc. This guide, based on a national research project, looks at strategies for involving youth in community-building activities. It provides community organizations with tips and techniques for building successful relationships with youth that will foster enhanced community development. * Youth On Board. (1999). Youth governance: 14 points to successfully involving young people in decision-making. Somerville, MA: Author. When it comes decision-making, the youth voice often gets lost. Though it can be difficult to fully involve young people in this process, it is essential to keep them involved as the decisions can greatly affect their lives. In order to make sure their ideas, experiences, and opinions are accounted for when it comes time to make decisions, this document provides important information on how to involve young people in the decision-making process. * Zeldin, S., McDaniel, A., Topitzes, D., & Calvert, M. (2000). Youth in decision-making: A study on the impacts of youth on adults in organizations. Madison, WI: National 4-H Council, University of Wisconsin Extension. Bringing youth to the table when it comes time to make decisions is no easy task, but it can bring about great results. This study looks at the effects of involving young people in decision-making and the impact on both community organizations and community change. January 2005 Hoover , A., & Weisenbach, A. (1999). Youth leading now! Securing a place at the table. New Designs for Youth Development, 15 (3), 29–35. Retrieved on October 28, 2004, from http://www.cydjournal.org/NewDesigns/ND_99Sum/Hoover.html . As the youth movement continues to gain momentum, it is important that we continue to develop resources aimed at addressing the needs of successful youth-adult governance. This article offers examples of success stories, tips on the “DOs and DON'Ts” of youth-adult partnership, and suggestions on ways to support youth governance. * Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development. (2001). At the table: Making the case for youth in decision-making research highlights from a study on the impacts of youth on adults and organizations. Chevy Chase, MD : Innovation Center (available online at www.theinnovationcenter.org). While involving young people in the decision-making process has been shown to promote positive development, there are a number of lesser known benefits. This study shows that the benefits of youth involvement are felt not only by the young people themselves, but are seen in the adults with whom they work and in the organizations in which they invest their time. The study reveals that involving young people in the governance of youth organizations is a practice that really makes sense. * Mohamed, I.A., Wheeler, W. (2001). Broadening the bounds of youth development: Youth as engaged citizens. A Joint Publication of The Ford Foundation (New York) and The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development (Chevy Chase, MD). Retrieved here (PDF) on October 28, 2004. Civic engagement is re-emerging as a way for young people to develop their leadership skills while helping to create change in their communities. This paper explores the benefits of civic engagement for young people, suggests ways to promote civic involvement, and explores the various ways youth can become involved in their communities. November 2004 How do you get youth involved in evaluation? The techniques and findings described in each of these articles are transferable to youth involvement within systems of care. Checkoway, B., & Richards-Schuster, U. K. (2003). Youth participation in community evaluation research. American Journal of Evaluation, 24 (1), 21–33. http://www.ssw.umich.edu/youthandcommunity/pubs/AJE_Paper.pdf Though young people currently participate in evaluation research, they are often not fully utilized or appreciated for all that they can provide. This paper explores some of the positive features of youth participation and identifies roles for youth in evaluation research, illustrating these points with an example program. *** Horsch, K., Little, P., Smith, J., Goodyear, L., & Harris, E. (2002). Youth involvement in evaluation and research. The Evaluation Exchange, 1 , 1–8 . Cambridge , MA : Harvard Family Research Project, Harvard Graduate School of Education. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~hfrp/content/projects/afterschool/resources/issuebrief1.pdf This brief looks at a number of “youth as researcher” projects, providing information on the evolution of such programs and what makes them successful. It concludes with insight into the organizational culture of youth serving organizations and provides information on the various organizations represented in the brief. *** London , J. (2000). The experience of youth in focus: Youth development through youth-led research, evaluation and planning. Focal Point: A National Bulletin on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, 14, 35–36. Retrieved October 28, 2004, from http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgPubsScript.php?documentID=347&choice=download For ten years, Youth in Focus has worked to strengthen youth-serving organizations and enhance youth development by building the leadership capacity of youth and the capacity of the youth-serving institutions to integrate and sustain youth leadership. This article will provide a brief overview of Youth in Focus' services and their positive effects. The article concludes with observations about the implications of the Youth REP (research, evaluation, and planning) process for the youth development field, and in particular, its applications to mental health.	Youth Involvement Home Page

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