Resources for At-Risk Youth

Teens, pre-teens, and younger children who live in harmful environments often face threats that endanger their ability to have a successful future. Because of situations beyond their control, these kids may encounter crime, violence, and/or poorly funded schools that hinder their ability to learn and grow. This puts them at risk of entering the juvenile system, becoming runaways, being homeless, getting addicted to drugs, or dropping out of school. In some cases, at-risk youth even face a higher risk of death. Fortunately, there are individuals and organizations besides ours that are dedicated to helping at-risk youth.

• Peer Health Exchange: Our Solution: Youth living in poverty and attending schools that are lacking in resources often do not have adequate health education. This program trains college students to be health educators who provide high school students with the knowledge needed to reduce unplanned pregnancy, lower cases of substance abuse, and make healthy life decisions in general.
• Invisible Children: This is an organization that's a part of Kids at Risk Action. Its goal is to bring awareness to children in need of protection.
• How to Get Out of a Gang: This brochure from the National Association of Students Against Violence describes different types of gangs and offers advice on how kids can safely get out of a gang.
• Community Youth Services: Visit this page to read about a juvenile diversion program and discover exactly how it helps children who are in trouble with the law.
• Kids Hope USA: Why it Matters: People who click this page can read what Kids Hope USA does for children living in environments that place them in a vulnerable situation.
• Youth Mentoring: Click this link to read about the Breakaway Outreach Youth Mentoring program. The page also provides statistics on how mentoring has helped at-risk youth.
• Crisis Text Line: When you feel like you're about to put yourself in a harmful situation, the Crisis Text Line can help.
• Health Coverage for Homeless and At-Risk Youth: Homeless and at-risk youth need medical care just like other kids, but many are unaware of the options available to them.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: Youth and Young Adults: Homelessness is a serious problem across the country and places children and young adults in a dangerous situation that threatens their future. This page discusses homelessness and youth and what is being done to prevent it from happening.
• Ending Youth Homelessness: This guidebook outlines what steps are needed to end youth homelessness. In addition, it covers the unique needs of certain groups of homeless youth, such as the needs of human trafficking victims, that must be addressed as a part of a plan to reduce or eliminate homelessness.
• The Trevor Project Resources: Support Center: On this page, LGBTQ teens can find answers and resources about gender identity, sexuality, and related issues.
• National Runaway Safeline: Teens and kids who've run away from home or are planning to do so can go here to get information and support.
• Lionheart Foundation Youth Project: The Lionheart Foundation offers programs for youth who are considered at risk, including the Power Source Program for youth who engage in high-risk, violent, or otherwise negative behavior.
• The Mentor Network: Juvenile Justice Programs: Kids who struggle in an abusive, neglectful, or generally negative environment often benefit from having positive influences in their lives. For this reason, The Mentor Network offers programs for youth involved in the justice system.
• SOS Programs: SOS is an organization that teaches life skills to at-risk youth through outdoor activities. This link provides information about the programs that are offered.