A framework for advancing the well-being and self-sufficiency of at-risk youth

For many youth, the path to economic self-sufficiency in adulthood is challenging. For those who lack stable family support, have grown up in deep poverty, or have been exposed to repeated violence and abuse as children, the path can seem insurmountable. Such youth, and youth who are severely disadvantaged in other ways, are at high risk of dropping out of school, engaging in delinquent or criminal behavior, becoming homeless, abusing drugs or alcohol, or becoming teen parents—further limiting their prospects for labor market success).

Programs to help at-risk youth take a wide range of approaches. Although we know a lot about the needs of such youth, we often lack solid scientific evidence about what approaches work. This brief summarizes a research-based framework that can serve as the foundation for efforts to move at-risk youth toward positive social, emotional and economic functioning in adulthood. The framework suggests the possibility of using evidence-informed interventions to address two primary areas: youth’s resilience and human capital development, and reflects existing knowledge from research and practice across many fields. (author abstract)