AT-RISK YOUTH (YOUTH VIOLENCE)

What are risk factors and protective factors?

Risk factors are defined as scientifically established (i.e., through research) factors or determinants for which there is strong objective evidence of a causal relationship to a problem.  In other words, risk factors are factors that have been proven to cause problematic functioning (e.g., violent behavior).

Protective factors, on the other hand, are those that potentially decrease the likelihood of engaging in a risk behavior.  These factors can influence the level of risk an individual experiences or can moderate the relationship between the risk and the outcome or behavior.

Are there specific risk factors that have been shown to be related to at-risk youth behavior such as youth violence?

Although the field of youth violence continues to flourish with ongoing research projects related to the study of risk-factors, several well-established research projects have found many important factors related to youth violence.  It is imperative to note that risk analysis should be viewed as a temperature gauge that fluctuates in different conditions.  That is, youth are likely not at the same risk for engaging in problematic functioning all of the time.  In addition, there are specific factors, known as potentiators, which may increase the likelihood for certain youth to engage in wrongdoing.  For example, factors such as negative peer association, drug and alcohol use, and lack of parental supervision may all serve as potentiators of at-risk behavior for certain youth.  The following list of risk factors that have been demonstrated to be related to youth violence serves to provide some examples of juvenile risk factors.  This is not a complete list of factors, however, may be helpful in better understanding juvenile at-risk behavior.  Furthermore, it should be noted that there are many distinct pathways that lead to youth violence, and it may not be the case that if a youth exhibits one, or even a few, of the following risk factors, they are potential candidates for violent behavior.  However, as a youth exhibits more of the following risk factors, they are likely at a greater risk for delinquent behavior.  Risk factors can best be organized into the following categories:

I.                    Individual Risk Factors

II.                 Family Risk Factors

III.               Environmental Risk Factors

Below are some examples of various risk factors that are supported by scientific research:

I.                    Individual Risk Factors:

a.       Hyperactivity and impulsivity

b.       Past aggressive behavior

c.       Escape from custody (i.e., running away)

d.       Fire setting

e.       Harming animals

f.        Fighting

g.       Sexual assault

h.       Favorable attitudes toward delinquent behavior

i.         Early onset of delinquency

j.        Bullying

k.       Poor social skills

l.         Chronic behavior problems at school

m.     Significant school truancy

n.       Low IQ

o.       Substance use/abuse

p.       Poor attachment

II.                 Family Risk Factors:

a.       Abuse/neglect of the youth

b.       High family conflict

c.       Low parental warmth

d.       Poor family support

e.       Lack of parental interaction and involvement

f.        Failure to set clear expectations

g.       Inadequate youth supervision and monitoring

h.       Sever or inconsistent family discipline practices

i.         Parental drug and alcohol problems

j.        Parental attitudes that support juvenile delinquency

III.               Environmental Risk Factors:

a.       Availability of drugs and firearms

b.       Community deterioration or disorganization

c.       Lack of quality education and recreational opportunities

d.       Presence of community violence and/or gangs

e.       Poor housing

What can I do if my child is At-Risk for problem behaviors such as those listed above?

First of all, it is important to know that you are NOT ALONE!  Youth violence is unfortunately a very common problem that affects many individuals, families, and communities today.  Although the prevalence of youth violence is a growing concern, for the parent of an At-Risk Youth, this means that resources for such kids are abundant.  To learn more about Youth-At-Risk, feel free to visit the following websites.  Please note that there are several links to additional cites that are very helpful for parents of At-Risk-Youth included within the three cites listed below:

1)      http://www.mentalhealth.org/youthviolence/surgeongeneral/SG_Site/chapter4/sec1.asp

2)      http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/content/ 2002/YouthViolence/risk.htm

3)      http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/facts/risk.asp

Furthermore, we at the University of Idaho Child and Youth Study Center, have a team of skilled clinicians well-equipped to help you with your child.  Our state of the art clinical facility includes some of the newest and best-researched assessment instruments to learn more about children and adolescents with At-Risk-Behavior.  Moreover, we have a well-rounded capacity for treatment intervention including individual, group, and family therapy, with a primary focus on intervening at the level that works for YOU!  That is, we are very dedicated to meeting you and your child where you are at, and pay due attention to community and family resources.  For a free-of-charge telephone Intake Interview, please contact us at (208) 882-4853.