NCJ Number
212127
Date Published
2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report presents a profile of disadvantaged youth in American society and outlines effective strategies for helping them overcome obstacles and thrive.
Abstract
Certain youth enter adulthood at a distinct disadvantage; these youth include young people who grow up in low-income households, are part of minority or immigrant families, or have a parent in prison. The report explains how these youth are disadvantaged, from having poor educational attainment to engaging in risky behaviors and having limited access to educational programs and healthcare. The impact of this disadvantage on youth is reviewed, including the deleterious impacts on mental health and future job prospects. Disadvantaged youth also present certain costs to society at large; these costs are described in terms of the economic impact on society caused by such phenomena as teenage births. Finally, the report describes the Five Promises strategy for helping disadvantaged youth overcome the obstacles they face. The strategy includes the involvement of caring adults, the provision of safe places, the promotion of sound physical and psychological health, effective educational opportunities, and opportunities to help others. The Five Promises strategy can be used to help frame State policies on positive youth development. Resources