At-risk youth programs are aimed at teenagers with a tendency to drug abuse, alcoholism and suicide. At-risk youth programs hope to give these misguided youth another chance at a better life so that they can be financially independent. These youth may drop out of school and have young families. However, with no means of supporting their families, the parents are more prone to earning quick money through illegal means.
Concerned parents and government authorities have worked together to develop some good at risk youth programs. These programs include the local school and community so that the youth’s recovery is more effective. Youth are prone to be misguided because of the negative images portrayed by the media.
The media is guilty of praising drugs, promiscuity and alcoholism to a vulnerable teen population. Coupled with the rise in broken homes today there are many youth at risk of getting wayward. As a parent or a responsible adult, you must learn to recognize the signs of a troubled teenager. Only then can you take the help of at risk youth programs to aid his recovery and rehabilitation.
These include irritation, reclusiveness, and uncontrollable temper, sudden change in company or falling grades at school. Look out for change in sleeping patterns and repeated requests for money or attempts to steal money.
There are several debates whether the present education system is sufficient for these troubled teenagers. Many experts and researchers feel that the at risk youth programs must have special support systems for troubled teens to ensure that they complete their education. It aims to equip the children with skills that will make them financially independent so that they stay out of trouble.
The normal schools can be effective in providing guidance and leadership skills to the at risk youth. The teachers can receive adequate training to identify and tackle the problems of at risk youth. Good at risk youth programs aim to provide basic knowledge and vocational training to students to prevent them from leaving schools. Teachers have to support intelligent but at risk students and try to retain them in school.
There are several government-aided programs to help poor at risk youth complete their schooling. Therefore, at risk youth programs can succeed only with cooperation of the school and teachers who are committed to reforming wayward youth.
