Other Youth Topics

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  1. Youth Topics
  2. Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG)
  3. TAG Resources
  4. Implementation Resources by Category
  5. Out-of-School Time and Community Programs TAG Resources

Out-of-School Time and Community Programs TAG Resources

Help Youth Connect to Supportive Adults, Positive Peers, Schools, and the Community 

  • Map My Community
    This online search tool identifies community assets, including local and federal resources and evidence-based youth programs. Searches can be done by using zip codes, key words, or by program area.  (Youth.gov)  
  • Maps and Data Reports to Enrich Community Work
    An interactive mapping, networking, and learning utility for the broad-based healthy, sustainable, and livable communities’ movement. Build a report by using the Community Health Needs Assessment to help identify assets and potential disparities in your county/region. (Community Commons)
  • Growing Together, Learning Together: What Cities Have Discovered About Building Afterschool Systems
    This report uses up-to-date evidence to identify four components that are essential to building a sustainable afterschool system. (The Wallace Foundation)

Create a Safe, Warm, and Enriching Space 

Encourage Physical Activity and Good Nutrition

Be Another Set of Eyes and Provide a Listening Ear

  • Family and Youth Resources on Mental Health 
    Educational resources for youth and parents on mental health issues and guidance on how to get help.  (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) 
  • Community Action Planning: Bullying Prevention Training Module
    Materials to create a community event using promising bullying response strategies. Contains resources to conduct an assessment before the event, a sample template agenda for the day of the event, and follow-up steps. (StopBullying.gov)
  • Talking with Teens
    This online resource is tailored for parents (families or guardians) and aims to help them build the knowledge and skills they need to begin and maintain two-way communication with adolescents. (HHS, Office of Adolescent Health)

Share Local Health Resources with Youth

  • Find a Health Center
    Online searchable database of local health centers. (HHS, Health Resources and Services Administration)
  • Middle School Health Starts Here
    Online resources for teens on a range of topics, including physical health, body image, mental health, and sexual health. (National Association of School Nurses)  
  • Local Health Service Locators
    A list of local health service locator websites on topics including health insurance, health care, mental health, substance use, youth services, health information, and related assistance programs. (HHS, Office of Adolescent Health)
  • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
    This locator is an on-line source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders. (HHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Teach Youth About Staying Healthy and Safe

  • Healthy Relationships in Adolescents 
    Research-based information and tips on how to help teens develop healthy relationships and navigate challenges. (HHS, Office of Adolescent Health) 
  • Protecting Kids Online
    Resources to help parents and other adults reduce online risks to kids’ safety. (U.S. Federal Trade Commission) 
  • Internet Safety Tools
    Information and tools for schools and families to promote online safety. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
  • Inspiring Change in Communities & States 
    This digital magazine from the YMCA has information on transformations, out-of-school and afterschool programs, and access to healthier foods. (YMCA of the USA)

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® and the logo design are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities

Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference

Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues

Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions

Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs

Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth

Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).