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Mainstreaming At-Risk Youth

NCJ Number
115700
Journal
Youth Policy Volume: 10 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 23-26
Author(s)
T Thorson
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Helping youth to move out of a structured environment and back into their homes or communities is an important part of the out-of-care system, yet it is often the most overlooked and underfinanced part of the total treatment process.
Abstract
When considering this move, or "mainstreaming," it is important to consider a number of issues related to the various ways and reasons that youth are separated from their homes and community; these may be factors in re-entering that same family or community. Likewise, the transition back into society is a time of great stress and ambivalence for the youth. Youth development organizations can play a vital role in easing youth back into society; four forms this support can take are briefly identified. Recommendations are made for both private and public sector organizations to assist in transitional programming, including staff and volunteer training, collaboration with youth on program development, the provision of technical assistance in developing new programs, and developing peer-support host systems for at-risk youth. The special needs of adolescent females are also addressed.