Advocacy
For a closer look at how YouthLink applies a strength-based approach to youth mental health, read Jayna's story
True impact with youth arises from building on strengths, not examining problems

Adolescence is a critical development stage in becoming a positive, contributing adult member of one’s community. It’s a time when young people establish their individual identity and values, develop skills and interests, acquire formal education, develop influential peer relationships and begin to express their sexuality and gender identity.

Social factors influence youth

Many factors influence youth during this stage including family, peers, schooling and community. There is a wide range of risk factors that adversely affect outcomes. They may be internal (within the person – eg learning disorder) or external (involving the family, school/work, and community eg family abuse, poverty, social exclusion.)

Protective Factors

There are also protective factors that build strengths and resilience to alter or reverse negative outcomes associated with risk factors. For example, caring adult relationships at home, in school and in the community; positive peer relationships, high expectations to achieve in school, and supportive neighbourhoods that value youth participation. YouthLink services are geared to strengthen these protective factors and foster resilience in youth.

Youth growing up in poverty at higher risk

We place special emphasis on reaching youth living in poverty which is widely correlated with risk factors. Youth growing up in poverty are at higher risk of having mental health challenges, not finishing high school, living with violence and becoming involved in violent activities.

This is particularly true when poverty is concentrated within defined geographic areas, and where local services and facilities are lacking for youth. YouthLink’s community services are located in high-needs areas and also focus on building the strengths and the capacity of the community itself to be a positive influence.

Youth and families must have a say in shaping services

Involving youth, their families and community partners in our service delivery is a high priority. Whether it is a therapeutic intervention such as counselling or introducing new youth programming in the community, our goal is to establish meaningful, sustained participation for clients, families and services partners and give them a voice in defining their needs and shaping our response.