When you think about the generation that is supposed to care for us once we’re old, what comes to mind? Are you drawing a blank, why? There are so many children, youth, adolescents, and young adults in the world that are successful academically and socially, a few that struggle academically but are social butterflies, and you have some that are the opposite, blooming socially but not academically. Then you have those that struggle academically, and socially; they tend to either fail consistently or simply drop out thinking that there is no hope for them. Those are the ones that I often think about. They think just giving up is easier when it’s not. Dropping out of school, finding a job, and surviving is often what their plan is, but then something happens, in the home be it t traumatic or just that they feel unheard and think that being out is easier as well. It is at that point that they become a statistic or what others would call an At-Risk Youth.
A kid at-risk is a child or adolescent who has severe obstacles making a smooth transition into adulthood.
Truancy, a lack of enthusiasm in academics, and a disengagement from school are traits of at-risk adolescents. What is it that we can do as a community? Let’s explore the options.
The Benefits of Mentoring Program
Past research has indicated that mentoring programs can promote positive change in a child’s life regardless, of race, gender, age, or ethnicity. It has been demonstrated that connecting at-risk youth programs with vulnerable children is an effective method for lowering and preventing problem behaviors and juvenile recidivism in older adolescents.
Other research has discovered appreciably lower arrest rates and rearrest rates. The following advantages of mentoring programs for youth have been established:
- Increases their willingness to attend school and engage in extracurricular activities.
- Decreases the likelihood of dropping out and boosts graduation rates.
- Encourages children to actively take action to improve their relationships with parents and peers by boosting their sense of value, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
- Reduces the probability that they may abuse alcohol or drugs by increasing their behavioral and self-control reactions to stress at home and at school.
Mentoring programs reduce their propensity to use drugs or alcohol by bucking social pressure. Administrators of mentoring programs evaluate each child who signs up for a mentoring program to identify what kind of mentor and mentoring relationship the child would benefit from most. Some children respond favorably to the more structured, one-on-one interactions they have with a single person.
How To Connect to an At-Risk Youth
Youth/adolescents tend to have their own way of dealing with problems or other issues that may arise. Connecting with them can be a challenge for some. However, communication plays an important role in the connection process. Learn their language, take interest in what they like to do, and develop a relationship based on common enjoyable experiences to earn their trust. Show the youth you care by listening to what they have to say. Sometimes they have the need to rant, voice opinions, or express their feelings about an event or situation that occurred. Don’t interrupt just allow them to simply talk. Youth are frequently inspired by this to speak openly about their hardships. Avoid preconceived notions. By doing this you are allowing them to start from the beginning a clean slate if you will, not being judgmental, not listening to what others have to say that would impair your judgment for the youth involved. And most importantly, build trust with them through honesty. This does not mean that you refrain from speaking your mind, or sugarcoat a response. You must be always honest with them, whether it’s good or bad. Just be cautious of your tone as if they feel like they are being badgered or interrogated they will shut down.
Creating Hope in a Youth
As a mentor, another important aspect is to show the youth that they are loved and accepted regardless of what they may think or how they feel. Although they may show a side that appears to be strong or invincible or the I can do whatever I want when I want the type of person, don’t give up on them. They need to know that you will be there no matter what. Keep in mind that they have the capacity to learn, develop, succeed, and flourish. You are that person that can help cultivate, motivate, encourage, and elevate them to the level of success through positive reinforcement. Remember the children of the world today are our future.
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