Understanding At-Risk Youth

Because the definition of an at-risk youth is so broad, in some respects, all youth are at risk in one way or another. So who fits the technical definition of ‘at risk?’ An at-risk youth is a child who is less likely to transition successfully into adulthood. Success can include academic success and job readiness, as well as the ability to be financially independent. It also can refer to the ability to become a positive member of society by avoiding a life of crime. We will look at factors that lead to children being identified as at-risk and how those factors can adversely affect successful transition into adulthood.