Resources
Below you will find a list of helpful resources related to adolescents and the health issues they may face.
Building Connections
Build a stronger bond through open conversation
- MU Warmline - Parenting advice hotline
- PBS Inside the Teenage Brain Documentary - Communication tip & neurodevelopmental education
- Conversation Tools for Youth-Supporting Adults - Multifaceted list of resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services geared towards adolescent health and supporting youth
- Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression - Talk They Hear You Campaign from SAMHSA – Resources for connecting with youth about big topics
Taking Action
Talk about taking action, respect and getting help
- Talking to Your Parents About Depression - Youth resources for how to talk with parents/caregivers about depression and mental health concerns
- Youth Engagement and Leadership - Tools for youth and adults concerning engaging youth and supporting youth leadership
- Tips for Adults when Working with Youth Leaders - Resource sheet providing advice to adults about working with youth leaders
- Tips for Youth When Working with Adult Allies - Resource sheet providing advice to youth about working with adults
- Do Something - Youth civic engagement organization
- 24 Volunteer Ideas for Teens - List of ideas for volunteer service opportunities for youth
- Youth Volunteerism - Best practices for youth recruitment and engagement in community service activities
- Bystander Intervention - Bystander intervention tools for youth
Technology
Talk about the impact of social media and digital life
- Effects of Social Media on Youth - Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) can help with investigating different types of child abuse and exploitation, including cyber crimes
- Missouri Attorney General’s Internet Safety Tips for Youth - Internet safety tips and resources for youth and youth-supporting adults
- Safe Online Surfing – FBI Educational Program - Free, online cyber safety course for youth age 10-14
- FBI Resources on Stopping Sextortion - Tips for youth and youth-serving adults on stopping and spotting sextortion
- Reliable Online Resources/Information Literacy - Resource for youth or adults about finding reliable health information online
Relationships
Discuss friendships and romantic relationships
- Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence - Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence resources on seeking help during domestic or sexual violence situations
- Courage2ReportMO - Missouri’s School Violence reporting system & resources for dealing with school violence
- Love Is Respect - Information about healthy relationships
- Healthy Relationships in Adolescence - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services adolescent health resource for healthy friendships, parent-child relationships, romantic relationships, and more
Development
Discover physical and emotional changes
- Adolescent Development Explained - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services resources on adolescent developmental processes
- The Power of the Adolescent Brain - Adolescent Brain Development TAG Talk
Body Image
Explore messages and feelings about appearance
- Physical Health in Developing Adolescents - Resources from the Office of Population Affairs on adolescent development
- Eating Disorders & Mental Health - SAMHSA’s resources concerning eating disorders, signs, symptoms and treatments
- Developing a Healthy Body Image - FAQs on health, body image, and developing a positive, healthy body image
Mental Health
Discuss feelings and how to handle tough times
- Missouri Department of Mental Health - Missouri’s Department of Mental Health
- National Child Trauma Stress Network - Child and adolescent trauma education
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources
- Mental Health for Adolescents - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Adolescent mental health resources
- Mental Health Resources - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services adolescent mental health resources
- SAMHSA Mental Health Information - SAMHSA Mental Health Information
- Trevor Line – Crisis Line - Crisis Line
Substances
Consider the impact of substances
- Substance Use in Adolescence - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services resources concerning substance use in adolescence, risk and protective factors, treatments, and prevention
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Conversation Starters - Resources to help youth and adult-supporting youth engage in conversations about substance use
- FindTreatment.gov - Confidential and anonymous resource for people seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the U.S.
- Talk. They Hear You. - SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign
- Mind Matters - Learn about the brain’s complex responses to specific drugs
- Get Smart About Drugs: Why Do Teens Use Drugs - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s resources on teen substance use and the ‘why’s behind it
Growing Up
Prepare for upcoming transitions
- Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood - Guidance for foster parents with youth transitioning to adulthood
- The Changing Transition to Adulthood - TAG Talk for the transition from teen to adult
- Missouri Department of Social Services Transitional Living Program - Assistance for older youth transitioning out of foster care and other placements
- U.S. Department of Labor Guidelines on Youth Transitioning to Adulthood - Resources for youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities transitioning to adulthood
Tough Stuff
Explore questions about sex and trauma
- What Is Child Trauma? - The National Child Stress Network’s resources on childhood trauma and supporting youth who have experienced trauma
- Conversation Tools - Tips from the Office of Population Affairs for adults talking with teens about tough topics, supporting conversations with teens, and navigating teachable moments
- Being Trauma-Informed - Resources from DHSS on trauma-informed approaches to working with youth
- Sexual Health Resources for Caregivers of Young People with Disabilities - Resource guide for parents/caregivers navigating conversations with youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities about sexual health
- How to Talk With Teens About Sex - CDC fact sheet and resources for talking with teens about sex, relationships and HIV/STI/pregnancy prevention
- Talking with Youth About Sex and Healthy Relationships - Resources for talking with youth about sexual health and healthy relationships
- Helping Children Cope After A Traumatic Event - Trauma-informed approaches to working with youth per HHS’s SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative
- How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events - National Terrorism Advisory System’s resource for talking with youth about tragedies and traumatic events
- Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events
- Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Parent Resources - National Adolescent Health Month resources and toolkits
Diversity
Consider diverse perspectives
- Youth Resources for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Resource for advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion in child welfare
- Implicit Bias & Disproportionality - Resources for addressing inequity and bias within the child welfare system
- Positive Youth Development & Inclusivity, Diversity & Inclusion - Education and resources about Positive Youth Development and how culture, diversity, and prior experience shape PYD
- Learning for Justice Professional Development Webinars - Professional development webinar series addressing equity, inclusion and diversity in a variety of professional areas
- SAMHSA DEI Resources - DEI resources from a substance and mental health lens
- Cultural Competency - Informational resources on cultural and linguistic competency from a health equity lens