9.6: Adolescent and Youth Services

Adolescence marks a significant period in the human development process, bridging the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a time of tremendous opportunity and promise, when young people begin to explore their burgeoning individuality and independence and start to think critically about themselves and the world around them. They begin to adjust and adapt to the profound biological, psychological, and social changes and challenges that are by-products of adolescence.

How adolescents navigate these changes and challenges is largely a function of interactions—both positive and negative—with families, communities, and the larger social environment. The health and well-being of our young people (and the adults they will become) are critically affected by their experiences during this developmental milestone.

Healthy adolescent development depends on safe and supportive environments that are free from violence and from the risks of physical, mental, and emotional harm environments that provide opportunities for youths to build strong and meaningful connections with their families, their schools, and their communities. Adolescents greatly benefit from engagement in activities in which their value is demonstrated and affirmed and their inherent talents, capabilities, and strengths are enhanced. Social environments that are inclusive and accepting of diversity encourage all youths to feel good about and value themselves and others around them. Equitable access to quality education, health care, employment opportunities, and social supports also are essential for ensuring positive outcomes for youths.

Most young people are able to navigate these adolescent years successfully with the support of caring families and communities. Far too many youths, however, experience significant challenges during this time that impede their ability to move successfully into adulthood. The healthy development of adolescents is thwarted by the invasion of drugs and violence into homes, schools, and social environments. Impoverished conditions may offer limited or no access to basic needs and present barriers for youths and their families. These barriers prevent access to adequate health care and social services, education, employment opportunities, housing, and nutrition. Youths also may be exposed to violence, abuse, bullying, harassment, and neglect in their homes, schools, and communities.

Some youths may experience alienation, disenfranchisement, and discrimination from the families, communities, and social institutions charged with supporting their development. Youths with severe health and mental health problems or disabilities, runaway and homeless youths, youths in foster care or juvenile justice systems, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adolescents often experience alienation. These social conditions leave young people more vulnerable to health-damaging behaviors such as substance abuse, delinquent activities, unprotected sexual activity, and mental health pathology.

Social workers understand that everyone— individuals, communities, and society as a whole—reaps the benefits from investments in helping our young people achieve optimal physical and mental health. Social workers provide essential services in the environments, communities, and social systems that affect the lives of youths. To meet the needs of young people, human service workers need to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of adolescent development and the critical role of biopsychosocial systems.

To read more about the social work standards of practice when working with adolescents, https://www.socialworkers.org/Practi...th-Adolescents

 

• National Association of Social Workers. (2001). Standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Washington, DC: Author.