Over the past decade, more and more attention has been given to the issues associated with “at-risk youth” including youth crime, violence, sex, substance abuse, poor academic performance, etc. Research shows that at-risk youth struggle with complex issues and scenarios that are brought on by peers, mentors, family members, and difficult social environments. The increased complexity of today’s at-risk youth has forced parents and federal agencies to work together to find solutions. There has been growing interest in community-based efforts that help to educate and direct at-risk youth and families to a variety of helpful services.  This is evident by the recent support of at-risk youth programs or initiatives by federal agencies such as the OJJDP (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention). The OJJDP has recently joined with other federal agencies to help bring about the SafeFutures initiative and the Children at Risk initiative.

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http://www.at-risk.org/