Across the world, the international community is becoming more aware of the problems faced by youth. Compared to their elders, youths are more susceptible to risks and abuses, and are struggling to find their place in societies that do not value them. This crisis has impacted youth in countless ways, and is a major challenge for governments and other stakeholders working to improve the lives of youth. Here are some ways to support youth in crisis and help them find their path.
The quality of life for the next generation depends on the ability of young people to make the transition from poverty to economic independence. However, many youth do not have the skills to contribute to society and, as a result, are often drawn into street gangs or armed factions. Many of them lack the skills to contribute to society, and swell the ranks of the low-paid. The future of these youth depends on countries in transition to deal with the population explosion.
In a mental health crisis, a child may be at risk of hurting themselves or others. Their behavior or emotions are extreme and may include physical aggression, destruction of property, or hostility. The child’s situation requires a rapid response by parents and professionals. The actions taken will depend on the urgency of the situation, the danger to the child, and the availability of resources within the community. When there are concerns about the child’s behavior, a youth crisis hotline can be of great assistance.
There are several nonprofits that work to support youth and give them a voice. One such organization is the National Safe Place Network, a public and private partnership that strives to create a world where all youth are safe and healthy. Unlike the National Safe Place Network, Child Mind Institute focuses on helping children and families cope with mental health issues. While the organization is concerned with the voice of youth, they don’t mention it explicitly.
The NRS Crisis Services and Prevention Report highlights the needs of youth in crisis in 2020. In 2017 alone, 57% of youth who contacted NRS remained at home. Another 68% survived by finding friends and family members. Additionally, black and African American youth make up a larger percentage of youth in crisis than the overall population. The Current Population Survey reports that black youth make up 14% of the youth population. In the last decade, the number of youth connected to NRS increased by 100%, with more than three out of four black youths experiencing some type of crisis.
As a result of this funding, DYCD funded programs offer emergency shelter and crisis intervention services to youth in need. The programs aim to reunite youth with their families by arranging appropriate placements. The funds that are available to these programs are limited and must be replenished in a timely manner. For more information on how to help youth in crisis, visit the website of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. These efforts are necessary to prevent mental illness and provide a safe and productive environment for young people.
In school settings, adults should seek to understand the underlying causes of unwanted behaviors and to provide alternative interventions that are equally effective. The alternative methods of dealing with mental health crises are often more effective than suspension and have better long-term outcomes for youth. As a result, many law enforcement agencies have begun to train their officers to recognize mental health crises. CIT training was completed by 57 percent of North Carolina school resource officers. These officers will then recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis and offer appropriate help.
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Assessment Team is a multidisciplinary team that includes social workers, marriage and family therapists, and pediatricians. Their goal is to help minors stabilize in their homes and avoid hospitalization or other higher levels of care. Families can also refer youth to a County-operated or contract clinic. These teams can determine whether hospitalization is the best choice for the young person they know. The team also provides additional assessment services.
In California, county child welfare agencies are now partnering with state child welfare agencies to restructure the care of youth. Previously known as foster parents, resource parents support youth through recovery. The program’s success depends on the number of resource parents who support young people. However, the new approach must be culturally appropriate to ensure that young people are able to access these services. If this is not done, California’s youth will be left behind.