Teenagers and young adults involved in risky or even criminal lifestyles can turn their lives around with the right kind of support, according to a new report produced and funded by the BC Child and Youth Health Research Network, a collaboration of researchers from Thompson Rivers University’s Centre for Community Based Youth Health Research and McCreary Centre Society in Vancouver.
The report, Listening to Vulnerable Youth: Transitioning to Adulthood in British Columbia, was based on consultations with 75 BC youth aged 14 to 28. Researchers were told youth want to create healthy productive lives for themselves, have input on the policies that affect them, and an extension of some youth assistance benefits beyond the age of 19
“The transition from youth to adulthood is a journey not easily defined,” said Natalie Clark TRU School of Social Work and Human Service and coordinator of the Centre for Community Based Youth Health Research. “But what is clear from our research is that youth want input into the decisions that impact their lives and not to always be viewed as a problem to be attended to Youth need to be co-leading the agenda on research, community health and planning”
“Collaborations between Thompson Rivers University researchers and communities provides an important information for improving policy and practice,” said Dr. Nancy Van Wagoner, TRU AVP Research and Graduate Studies. “This research conducted by Natalie Clark and her colleagues can have a tremendous benefit to the lives of youth in small cities and rural communities”.
Key themes that emerged through the research included identifying the unique barriers in smaller cities and rural communities such as transportation issues, the absence of health programs and services and their limited hours. In addition the need for access to recreation and youth-friendly spaces, as one participant from William’s Lake noted “geography has a lot to do with boredom, we start seeing high risk activities”.
The lack of options, combined with the feeling that there is no room for mistakes in smaller communities and the ongoing stigma of reputation and lack of anonymity and confidentiality further pressure at risk youth in smaller cities and rural communities
The report argues that most young adults in BC continue to receive support from their families beyond 19 as they transition to full independence, usually sometime in their mid-20sBut adolescents who leave school early, lack family support or become involved in risky behaviours can have considerable difficulties getting the support, education and job training they need to become economically independent adults.
Among the recommendations from the study’s participants to help them achieve successful independence are: access to permanent life mentors (many lack parents or other adults who are there for the long term); extended public transportation hours (most are too young to drive, can’t afford cars or aren’t in a position to call a parent for a drive); reduction of discrimination and bullying in public schools; and the availability of low-cost housing accessible to young people.
Contact: Natalie Clark, (p) 377-6248
