Feature Articles

Online Safety for Youth: Working to Counter Online Radicalization to Violence in the United States Online Safety for Youth: Working to Counter Online Radicalization to Violence in the United States
February 5, 2013

The American public increasingly relies on the Internet for socializing, business transactions, gathering information, entertainment, and creating and sharing content.  The rapid growth of the Internet has brought opportunities but also risks, and the Federal Government is committed to empowering members of the public to protect themselves against the full range of online threats, including online radicalization to violence.

Highlights from the 2012 Summit on Preventing Youth Violence Highlights from the 2012 Summit on Preventing Youth Violence
February 1, 2013

Representatives from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Salinas, and San Jose gathered in Washington, DC on April 2 and 3, 2012 for the second Summit on Preventing Youth Violence.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
January 31, 2013

In his Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month Proclamation President Obama called on all Americans “to stand against dating violence when we see it.”  At a time when an estimated 1 in 10 teens will experience dating violence we all must take this opportunity to amplify our efforts and shine a spotlight on this important issue.

Credentials For Youth New “Credentials for Youth” tool
January 30, 2013

The Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Division of Youth Services, within the U.S. Department of Labor, recently launched a new tool “Credentials for Youth”, to help workforce professionals identify promising occupations for youth served by the workforce system, and the credentials that help youth attain them.

National Drug Facts Week National Drug Facts Week
January 29, 2013

National Drug Facts Week (NDFW) is a health observance, held this year from January 28th to February 3rd, for teens that aims to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse.  Through community-based events and activities on the Web, on TV, and through contests, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is working to encourage teens to get factual answers from scientific experts about drugs and drug abuse.

We R Native. Who R U?  Submit Your Story! We R Native. Who R U? Submit Your Story!
December 5, 2012

Community involvement is something that can start small and make a big impact.  American Indian and Alaska Native youth 13-21 years old are encouraged to share what makes you HIV aware and how you protect yourself and others.  By sharing with one another, we can teach each other lessons about self-confidence, self-respect, pride, courage, and spirituality.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Infographic December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
December 4, 2012

President Obama has designated December 2012 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and invites families, educators, health care providers, and community leaders to promote responsible decision-making and encourage young people to live free of drugs and alcohol.

National Mentoring Month National Mentoring Month
December 4, 2012

The connection in mentoring — pairing young people with caring adults — is a youth development strategy that can create a path to successful adulthood for children.

Back on Track after Being Behind Bars Back on Track after Being Behind Bars
December 4, 2012

Returning to society after being incarcerated isn’t easy. Yet a group of formerly incarcerated youth that recently met with U.S. Department of Education (ED) Secretary Arne Duncan and Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education Brenda Dann-Messier are refusing to let their past lives determine their future.

Vote in the StopBullying.gov Video Challenge! Vote in the StopBullying.gov Video Challenge!
November 26, 2012

The theme of this year’s contest is “how youth can be more than a bystander and help kids who are involved in bullying.”  Contestants were asked to integrate this idea into their entries and show how they are making a difference in their communities by taking action against bullying.

Secretary Duncan Hosts First Meeting with National Council of Young Leaders Secretary Duncan Hosts First Meeting with National Council of Young Leaders
November 14, 2012

The National Council of Young Leaders is a newly established council with a diverse group of young people.  The council, which launched on September 19, has 14 founding members ranging in ages 18-34, representing both urban and rural low- income areas, who advise policy makers, business leaders and foundations on issues affecting low-income youth and their communities.

I Strengthen My Nation Banner National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
October 31, 2012

The “I Strengthen My Nation” media campaign (featuring actor Chaske Spencer who plays Sam Uley in The Twilight Saga) encourages Native communities to address substance abuse by teens and young adults. The “I Strengthen My Nation” campaign empowers Native youth to resist drugs and alcohol and encourages parents to talk to their children openly about drug and alcohol use.

Smiling teen Connecting the Dots: Working across Systems to Improve Postsecondary Outcomes for Youth in State Care
October 31, 2012

In Rhode Island, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) offers the Post Secondary Education Tuition Assistance Program for DCYF-involved youth to receive up to 35 percent of the cost of college. 

U.S. Department of the Treasury Kicks Off “Save Out Loud” Contest to Encourage Y U.S. Department of the Treasury Kicks Off “Save Out Loud” Contest to Encourage Youth Savings
October 31, 2012

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Ready.Save.Grow. campaign launched the “Save Out Loud” Contest to celebrate kids’ savings goals and inspire a lifetime of good savings habits.  Students in grades K – 12 are encouraged to share their savings stories for a chance to win a live video conversation with Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, along with commemorative prizes.

The National Youth in Transition Database The National Youth in Transition Database
October 18, 2012

The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) is a new Federal reporting system created to track the independent living services States provide to youth and to collect outcomes information from youth transitioning out of foster care that may be used to assess States' performance in operating their independent living programs. 

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
October 13, 2012

This October marks the second annual National Substance Abuse Prevention Month – an observance to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse.

Stop Bullying.gov National Bullying Prevention Month
October 12, 2012

October in National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying.  During this month, many groups across the country will release new resources, campaigns, and efforts aimed at bringing awareness to the issue of bullying.

Make the right choice banner National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 11, 2012

Despite the fact that 32 states plus the District of Columbia have passed legislation outlawing all cell phone use by novice drivers, and 44 states have banned texting while driving by novice drivers, research shows that drivers under the age of 25 are two-to-three times more likely than older divers to send text messages or emails while driving.

Attorney General Eric Holder Expands National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Attorney General Eric Holder Expands National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention to Ten Cities
September 26, 2012

Attorney General Eric Holder and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Mary Lou Leary today announced that four new cities would join a White House initiative to prevent youth violence. New Orleans, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Camden, N.J., will join the six original cities in the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (Forum) to reduce youth violence and gang activity and improve public safety.

4-H Logo It’s National 4-H Week!
September 26, 2012

4-H, clubs were formed to help improve farming practices and farm life.  While agriculture and rural values remain a large part of 4-H, the organization has grown to include young people from all backgrounds and types of communities.

Digital Stories: Voices from Foster Care Youth Digital Stories: Voices from Foster Care Youth
September 19, 2012

The Children’s Bureau, within the Administration for Children and Families, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has created a series of digital stories about youth who have been impacted by the child welfare system.

Happy mother and daughter at a donation center National Preparedness Month
September 19, 2012

September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working hard to encourage youth organizations, K-12 schools, colleges and universities throughout the Nation to elevate the importance of preparedness and to encourage individuals, families and organizations to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
September 13, 2012

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), along with Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, and the US Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, launched a revised National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP) that will save lives by guiding suicide prevention activities for years to come.

September is National Recovery Month September is National Recovery Month
September 13, 2012

Each September, thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and services around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about recovery, how it works, for whom, and why.

Happy diverse students Report on Well-Being of Nation’s Children Released
September 13, 2012

The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics (Forum) has released its annual report, “America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being.”  This year's report continues morethan a decade of dedication and collaboration by agencies across the federal government to advance our understanding of our Nation's children and what may be needed to bring them a better tomorrow.

Veto Violence Logo Facebook Ask the Expert Event: Suicide Prevention
September 7, 2012

In order to raise awareness and knowledge on suicide, CDC’s VetoViolence Facebook page will be hosting an Ask the Expert focused on suicide prevention on World Suicide Prevention Day.

September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance
August 31, 2012

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor the sacrifice of those who were lost and those who united in response to the tragedy.

Counselling Session Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care
August 24, 2012

The Children's Bureau, within the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has published a new guide on managing psychotropic medications written specifically for youth in foster care: Making Health Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care.

AIDS 2012 AIDS 2012
August 16, 2012

The biennial International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2012, was hosted in Washington, DC this year. Scientists, health professionals, philanthropists, policymakers, and those affected by HIV/AIDS convened to access the progress that has been made to date, and to identify next steps in the global response to AIDS.

Back to School Back to School!
August 10, 2012

It’s that time of year again! Whether you're a parent or educator, below are resources and tips that can help you prepare for the new school year.

A New “Shopping Sheet” that will make it Easier to Understand College Costs A New “Shopping Sheet” that will make it Easier to Understand College Costs
August 10, 2012

The Obama Administration released a model financial aid award letter today called the Shopping Sheet – an individualized standard financial aid award letter that will help students and their families understand the costs of college before making the final decision on where to enroll.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan with students Third Annual Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit
August 10, 2012

The Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention convened a summit to highlight some of the work that has been done to prevent bullying while also challenging everyone—including schools, and students—to do more to address this issue.

Happy diverse students Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools
July 26, 2012

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a new toolkit that is aimed at being part of a nationwide effort to help the one out of every fifteen high school students who attempt suicide each year.

AIDS Awareness Ribbon National Resource Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Adolescents
July 5, 2012

Despite stable rates of HIV diagnosis in older populations, the rate of HIV diagnoses from 2006 to 2009 has increased in youth 15 – 24 years of age, and was highest in the 20 – 24 year-old age group.

Evidenced-Based Programs Forum A Forum on Emphasizing Evidence-Based Programs
June 28, 2012

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted a forum on Emphasizing Evidence-Based Programs for Children and Youth in Washington, D.C. The forum consisted of experts across the field of evidence and innovation.

Reconnecting Youth Reconnecting Youth
June 27, 2012

Addressing the needs of disconnected youth is critical to America’s future.  The President’s FY 2013 Budget proposes an Inter-Agency Disconnected Youth Initiative that would provide for increased flexibility for States and localities and modest funding for the Federal partners.

ICH’s seal Opening Doors – Ending Youth Homelessness by 2020
June 26, 2012

Opening Doors: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, is the nation’s first comprehensive strategy aimed at preventing and ending homelessness, and serves as a roadmap for federal departments as well as local and state partners in the public and private sector to address this critical issue.

Americorps Logo AmeriCorps Grants Will Support 46,000 New Members Across U.S.
June 7, 2012

As thousands of service leaders gathered at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service June 18, 2012, Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Wendy Spencer announced $213 million in new AmeriCorps grants to strengthen the impact of more than 275 organizations across the country in tackling the most pressing challenges facing communities and the nation.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month
June 7, 2012

June is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, gave a statement on the importance of this challenging and debilitating condition.

Pride! June is LGBT Pride Month
June 1, 2012

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans.

Father and son standing together Father’s Day 2012 – Reconnecting Families and Dads Saturday, June 16th, 2012
May 25, 2012

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is encouraging Public Housing Authorities and their local partners to join across the nation to host a special event for fathers and their children on Saturday, June 16th in celebration of Father’s Day 2012.

A group of teen friends National Foster Care Month
May 14, 2012

May is National Foster Care Month, a month set aside to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, community members, child welfare professionals, and policymakers who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.

Diverse Group of Teenage Girls Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
May 1, 2012

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is doing a lot to raise awareness. In fact, a recent report of preliminary date released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that teen birth rates fell in all but three states during 2007–2010

National Mental Health Month May is National Mental Health Month
May 1, 2012

Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

Children’s Awareness Mental Health Day Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
May 1, 2012

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Month. Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

Congressman Robert Scott, Attorney General Eric Holder, Secretary Kathleen Sebel April 2012 Summit on Preventing Youth Violence
April 18, 2012

Representatives from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Salinas, and San Jose gathered in Washington, DC on April 2 and 3, 2012 for the second Summit on Preventing Youth Violence.

Doctor talking with patient Health Centers as Partners in Youth Violence Prevention
March 22, 2012

For more than 45 years, Health Resources and Services Administration supported health centers have delivered comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Teen working as Lifeguard Summer Opportunities for Youth
March 9, 2012

Summer is a great time for youth to explore the many opportunities that are available to them. Be it through jobs, internships (paid or unpaid), and/or volunteering, all are excellent and important ways youth can learn to gain real world experience and contribute to their community.

Soft Skills to Pay the Bills Soft Skills to Pay the Bills
March 9, 2012

Soft skills are everyday interpersonal skills that job seekers need to succeed on the job. They include communicating clearly and appropriately, remembering work directions, working well with others, and knowing how to solve problems.

Job Application Federal Schedule A Hiring Authority Fact Sheet: Tips for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities Interested in Starting a Career with the Federal Government
March 9, 2012

The Schedule A hiring authority (Schedule A) is one of the paths that can greatly benefit youth and young adults with disabilities who have an interest in a career with the Federal government.

Grants.gov Youth Funding Opportunity Grants Grants.gov Youth Funding Opportunity Grants
March 9, 2012

FindYouthInfo.gov is happy to announce the launch of the new tool that helps to solve this problem by allowing users to search for grants for programs that specifically serve youth and their families.

Learn the Facts: National School Lunch Program and Alternative Schools
February 15, 2012

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program available to public and nonprofit private schools, as well as residential child care institutions throughout the country.

Youth in Foster Care Stay Active and Connected
February 15, 2012

Transition to Adult Living program  works to help youth in foster care stay active – and connected to each other and other adults. Youth meet three times a week to run together. As an incentive, participants receive running shoes and socks.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
February 6, 2012

Teen dating violence— also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse — includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

Children in the classroom. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/GreatSchools Partnership – Coordinating Housing Assistance with Educational Opportunities
January 23, 2012

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has partnered with GreatSchools, a national non-profit educational resource for parents, to provide their free

Myth Busters: National Reentry and Medicaid Myth Busters: National Reentry and Medicaid
January 23, 2012

The Interagency Reentry Council, led by Attorney General Holder, produces a series of Reentry Myth Busters that clarify existing federal policies that affect formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.

Find Youth Info Logo Portland Kids Learn about Life and Basketball at the Hoopin' It Up Camp
January 19, 2012

Each year, 50 youth participate in Hoopin' it Up, a basketball camp open to youth living in the Hillsdale Terrace and Slavin Court public housing communities in southwest Portland.

Federal Collaboration Federal Collaboration
January 5, 2012

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) is composed of representatives from 17 federal agencies that support programs and services focusing on youth. The IWGYP seeks to promote achievement of positive results for at-risk youth.

Kids Volunteering Martin Luther King Day of Service-2012
January 4, 2012

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a time to re-commit ourselves to serving each other and our communities. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will shine a spotlight on the connection between service and economic opportunity,

Teens smiling Developing Programs for Youth in Allied Health Careers
December 14, 2011

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at the Department of Labor (DOL) is making considerable investments in projects that focus on preparing participants for employment in the health care sector.

Teens Holding Hands Justice Department Research Shows That School-Level Interventions Reduce Dating Violence by up to 50 Percent
December 10, 2011

The Department of Justice today announced new research from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that finds school-level interventions reduced dating violence among middle school students by up to 50 percent in 30 New York City public schools.

A group of youth looking at a piggy bank Training Young Adults How To Save At Work
December 2, 2011

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and America Saves are collaborating nationally to promote saving at work for young adults.

Gang Prevention Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs
November 19, 2011

The recent Juvenile Justice bulletin, published by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs (OJJDP), presents a compilation of current research on gangs, including data on the state of gang problems in the United States today, why youth join gangs...

The Honorable Eric Holder, Jr., Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Depa National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Working Session 2011
November 18, 2011

Representatives from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Salinas, and San Jose gathered in Washington, DC on October 31 and November 1, 2011 for the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Working Session.

Teens holding hands February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
November 15, 2011

The Justice Department worked with the Senate to designate the entire month of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

A group of teens smiling Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program
November 14, 2011

For the first time since the early 1990s, the overall rates of pregnancy and birth among teenagers and young women increased from 2005 to 2006 and continued to increase in 2007.

Teen with ADHD working Add Us In
November 14, 2011

Add Us In is a new initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The initiative is designed to increase the ability of companies to employ both adults and youth with disabilities...

Youth Speakers Share Their Hopes for the Future Youth Speakers Share Their Hopes for the Future
November 9, 2011

Seven youth speakers at the recent Innovative Collaborations to Promote Positive Youth Outcomes: A Federal, State, and Local Dialogue conference shared their experiences as youth at risk – as well as how they were able to get their lives on track.

National Runaway Prevention Month: Ten Years of 'Making the Connection' National Runaway Prevention Month: Ten Years of 'Making the Connection'
November 3, 2011

Each year, thousands of U.S. youth run away from home, are asked to leave their homes, and / or become homeless for a variety of reasons leaving many young people without a safe place to stay. They sleep on the streets, in cars or on their friends’ couches.

Teens smiling Cities Working Together to Reduce Youth Violence
October 31, 2011

The National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (the Forum) is an interagency effort for localities to share knowledge and experience in what works and what doesn't work in preventing youth and gang related violence.

Stop Bullying.gov Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit
October 18, 2011

The Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention joined for the second annual Bullying Prevention Summit, on September 21-22, 2011, hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and eight other federal agencies. The event engaged representatives from federal agencies, national organizations, parents, teachers, and students with the goal to discuss and share their progress on anti-bullying efforts across the country.

Teens holding hands Teen Dating Violence Prevention
October 18, 2011

Teen dating violence is an often-unrecognized subcategory of domestic violence. Although there is research on rates of crime and victimization related to teen dating violence, research that examines the problem from a longitudinal perspective and considers the dynamics and perceptions of teen romantic relationships is lacking.

Sad girl National Drug Facts Week
October 18, 2011

Teens and drug experts will connect for the second annual National Drug Facts Week this October 31 through November 6. This weeklong observance will bring together teens and scientific experts in community events across the country to discuss scientific facts about drug abuse.

Teenage friends with books and smiling Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs Develops Common Language on Positive Youth Development
October 17, 2011

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports several subgroups, including one focused on Positive Youth Development.

CDC logo CDC Awards $4.5M to Prevent Youth Violence in Four STRYVE Communities
October 12, 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today an award totaling $4.5 million to be divided among four public health departments that were selected to participate in a youth violence prevention demonstration project over a period of five years.

Teens cheering with thumbs up National Service Agency Announces 2012 King Day of Service Grants
October 11, 2011

(Washington, D.C.) – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced $700,000 in grants for six organizations to plan and carry out service projects to bring Americans together to meet community needs on the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.

Teens working in a garden Report Shows Majority of Americans Civically Engaged in Their Communities
September 15, 2011

(Washington, D.C., September 15, 2011) - Between 2008 and 2010, a majority of Americans were civically active in a variety of ways, working with others to improve their communities.

A group of teens walking to school Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
September 2, 2011

Multiple Federal agencies are working to ensure that when children travel to and from school this year, they do so in a way that is safe and healthy. The Department of Transportation (DOT) operates the Safe Routes to School Program, which helps make walking and biking to school safe and appealing for children and youth.

A group of teens woking in a computer together Improving education for youth living in poverty
September 2, 2011

As part of its "Back to School" day on August 5, 2011, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) introduced its "Coordinating Housing with Education"Initiative.

A group of teens smiling Students weigh in on 2020 College Completion Goal
September 2, 2011

President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have an ambitious agenda to create a world class education system, and lead the world in college completion. Six million more Americans need to graduate from one, two, or four-year post-secondary education programs by 2020, as over the next decade, more than half of new jobs will require more than a high school degree.

Keeping youth in school and out of the justice system Keeping youth in school and out of the justice system
September 2, 2011

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder today announced the launch of the Supportive School Discipline Initiative, a collaborative project between the Departments of Justice and Education that will address the "school-to-prison pipeline" and the disciplinary policies and practices that can push students out of school and into the justice system.

Emergency Vehicles National Service Teams Deployed for Hurricane Irene Response
August 30, 2011

Washington D.C. – As Hurricane Irene causes flooding, damage and mass evacuations on its run up the Eastern seaboard, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members are responding in multiple states, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced today.

Teen holding car key Illinois High School Addresses Teen Traffic Safety Through Service-Learning Approach
August 5, 2011

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, accounting for approximately one-third of all teenage deaths (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to be involved in a crash (CDC, 2009).

Diverse family Federal Government Releases Annual Statistical Report on the Well-Being of the Children and Youth
August 1, 2011

The report was compiled by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, a working group of 22 federal agencies that collect, analyze, and convey data on issues related to children and families.

CrimeSolutions.gov CrimeSolutions.gov Website Launched
August 1, 2011

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) today launched www.crimesolutions.gov. This new website is a central, credible resource to inform practitioners and policymakers about what works in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services.

Teens smiling at workplace Supporting Summer Youth Employment Programs
July 20, 2011

With the arrival of summer, communities are looking for ways to engage youth in supportive, pro-social activities. Summer youth employment programs are a popular strategy in many communities to ensure that youth gain valuable workforce experience and have a safe, productive way to spend their time.

Adventure Central Adventure Central
July 14, 2011

Adventure Central is a trusted, community-based, positive youth development partnership of 4-H, Ohio State University Extension, and Five Rivers MetroParks. The partnership has been serving at-risk children and their parents in urban Dayton, Ohio since 2000 by providing educational programs outside of school hours.

Happy family Nation's Housing Authorities to Celebrate Fathers Day
July 12, 2011

With the help of hundreds of public housing authorities across the nation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is taking Father's Day to a whole new level. HUD appealed to the nation's 3,200 public housing authorities to host Father's Day 2011 on Saturday, June 18th.

Students in a Science Lab Engineering students mentor at middle school with STARBASE
June 29, 2011

This spring through the STARBASE Nebraska program, six University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering students have dedicated an hour each week to go back to sixth grade and help the next generation of engineers.

Teen and his mentor talking A Mentoring Charity Blooms in Baltimore
June 29, 2011

The biggest challenge for a small, growing mentoring program can be convincing caring adults to take the first step and volunteer to help a child. To that end, Baltimore's Liberty Learning Center, an after-school facility founded in 2005 for inner-city youth, will use this year's National Mentoring Month as a ...

Smiling Girl Girls Mentoring and Education Service
June 29, 2011

Andrea, a runaway youth and victim of sexual exploitation, battled isolation and feelings of worthlessness, faced physical and mental abuse, and bounced in and out of jail, unable to lessen the hold that her exploiter had on her. She eventually escaped the exploitation with the help of GEMS, or Girls ...

A group of teens smiling First HHS Event in Recognition of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
June 24, 2011

On Tuesday, May 10th the Office of Adolescent Health (OAH) hosted an event in recognition of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in the Great Hall of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, DC.

Graduating students Teen Pregnancy Prevention & Social Media Web Page
June 2, 2011

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed new social media tools and messages available support teen pregnancy prevention efforts. CDC's new Teen Pregnancy and Social Media web page is available at:

Teen thinking Pilot Project Helps YouthBuild Address Youth Substance Abuse
May 19, 2011

One of the biggest challenges at most YouthBuild employment and training programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is how to identify and address alcohol and drug use among students.

Lonely boy Minnesota's Support Systems for Rural Homeless Youth Program
May 17, 2011

Among homeless youth in Minnesota, Native Americans are one of three high risk populations (the others being African Americans and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Questioning youth).

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 3, 2011! National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 3, 2011!
April 27, 2011

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a key strategy of the Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign (the Campaign), which is part of the Public Awareness and Support Strategic Initiative by SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The Honorable Eric Holder, Jr., Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Depa Six Cities Present Plans to Reduce and Prevent Youth Violence
April 14, 2011

Officials from Boston; Chicago; Detroit; Memphis, Tenn.; Salinas, Calif.; and San Jose, Calif., have spent the past several months preparing plans detailing how they can work within their communities to address youth violence.

A group of teens smiling National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
April 13, 2011

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.

Two kids kissing their mother Planning for the 2011 Continuums of Care Point-in-Time Count on Homelessness
April 11, 2011

Continuums of Care (CoCs) across the country undertake community-wide efforts to collect information on the number and characteristics of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Police car Traffic Safety: Keeping Teens Safe behind the Wheel
April 11, 2011

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among youth. Per miles driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.

A group of teens smiling New Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding Opportunities
April 11, 2011

New funding opportunities released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offer the opportunity to replicate evidence-based programs and support innovative strategies and community-wide initiatives.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 11, 2011

Learn how you can raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and create strong communities to support children and families to help prevent child abuse during Prevention Month in April and throughout the year.

2011 National Financial Capability Challenge 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge
April 6, 2011

The 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge, organized by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education, was part of a nationwide initiative to promote financial education among high school aged youth.

Creating Violence-Free, Healthy, and Prospering Communities Requires Your Voice Creating Violence-Free, Healthy, and Prospering Communities Requires Your Voice
April 1, 2011

Youth violence destroys quality of life and decreases the freedom, health, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities. Unaddressed youth violence and crime negatively affect our communities' physical, mental, and economic health and challenges our ability to educate, grow, and prosper.

Join the Community of Practice on Helping Youth Transition! Join the Community of Practice on Helping Youth Transition!
February 1, 2011

Are you interested in learning what resources federal, state, and local groups offer to help youth successfully transition to adulthood and independence? Would you like to network with others like you who are working on this topic – without leaving your desk?

Teens discussing CDC's Division of Violence Prevention Offers Online Course on Principles of Prevention
February 1, 2011

Each year, more than 50,000 people lose their lives to violence. In addition to the tremendous physical and emotional toll, violence has substantial medical and lost productivity costs. In 2000, these totaled more than $70 billion in the United States.

Teens smiling Teen Dating Relationships: Opportunities for Youth to Define What's Healthy and Unhealthy
February 1, 2011

The Federal Interagency Workgroup on Teen Dating Violence, in collaboration with Concept Systems, Inc. (CSI), is conducting research to better understand how youth conceptualize healthy and unhealthy dating relationships.

Girl with money on her piggy bank MyMoney.Gov: Expanding Financial Education and Access
January 27, 2011

The new MyMoney.gov creates an online point of access to financial information from 22 Federal entities. Young people will be able to find a great deal of information related to planning for their financial future.

Martin Luther King, Hr. poster 25th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Unites Americans in National Day of Service
January 19, 2011

Thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, educational, and national service groups in all 50 states led community projects on the day, including weatherizing homes, beautifying schools, serving meals, and providing employment counseling.

Teens smiling Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention
November 3, 2010

Early efforts to promote healthy, respectful dating relationships are more likely to prevent dating violence before the problem begins.

Kids in a class room National Youth Listening Tour
October 20, 2010

Through the American Graduation Initiative, President Obama has set a goal for America to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

The Voices of Young People Highlight the SSRHY Annual Meeting The Voices of Young People Highlight the SSRHY Annual Meeting
October 20, 2010

Ten youth, from the six states participating in the Support Systems for Rural Homeless Youth 5-year demonstration, taught valuable lessons at the Demonstration's Annual Meeting in Chicago last August.

National Summit on Youth Preparedness National Summit on Youth Preparedness
October 1, 2010

At the end of the 20th century, an estimated 66.5 million children each year were affected by a natural disaster, and this number will most likely increase, owing to shifts within society and large climate changes.

The CITY Project The CITY Project
October 1, 2010

Using a broad-based community collaboration approach, the CITY Project is working in Broome County and New York City to empower at-risk youth to become community change agents.

Teacher assisting young student The Youth Career Café - Empowering Youth to Succeed in the Real World
September 29, 2010

The Department of Labor funds youth training and employment programs under the Workforce Investment Act; funds are provided to states and then to local areas to deliver services.

Find Youth Info Logo AdoptUsKids Project Helps 10,000 Foster Children
August 24, 2010

Find Permanent Families Thanks to a project known as AdoptUsKids, more than 10,000 children have been placed into adoptive families.

Stopping the Summer Slide with Energy Express Stopping the Summer Slide with Energy Express
August 12, 2010

Under the leadership of the West Virginia University Extension 4-H Youth Development, Energy Express is a research based summer reading and nutrition program for children living in rural and low-income West Virginia.

Latino guy smiling GEAR UP Program Succeeds In Helping Latinos Enter College
August 5, 2010

In the fall of 1999, Art Castanon and Ana Coria were part of the seventh grade class at Sycamore High School in Anaheim that began GEAR UP—Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program.

Girl with a dog A Hand and Paw Partnership Benefits Homeless Youth
August 5, 2010

Dogs, and people, learn new tricks at the Virginia Woof Dog Daycare Center in Portland, OR. Owned and operated by Outside In, a social service agency that serves homeless youth and low-income adults, the doggie daycare provides job training for 25 formerly homeless young people every year.

Working teen Celebrate AmeriCorps Week
August 4, 2010

The fourth annual AmeriCorps Week, taking place May 8-15, 2010, provides the perfect opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on AmeriCorps and to motivate more Americans to serve.

photo of Sierra Washington State Youth Take Civic Activism To New Level
August 4, 2010

Non-academic barriers to learning, such as those facing Sierra, were the focus of a Civic Engagement Forum in February of 2009. This two-day event brought young people from dropout prevention and school health programs to advise the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC).

The Affordable Care Act Gives Young Adults Greater Control Over Their Own Health The Affordable Care Act Gives Young Adults Greater Control Over Their Own Health Care
August 4, 2010

The Affordable Care Act provides financial relief, extends health coverage through parents and offers more affordable choices and competition for young adults. To learn more, check out our youth topic page on transition age youth.

A group of teens discussing Collaborative Efforts to Address Youth Violence
August 4, 2010

In response to the recent killing of a 16 year old Chicago honor student, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/CDC, the Department of Education (ED), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) started work to address youth violence.

Find Youth Info Logo Identifying Effective Interventions: A Report from GAO
August 4, 2010

In November 2009, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released the report, "Program Evaluation: A Variety of Vigorous Methods Can Help Identify Effective Interventions.

4H logo 4-H Members Raise Awareness of Meningitis
August 4, 2010

In Louisiana, 4-H youth took their civic engagement skills and put them towards something life changing—advocating and lobbying for meningitis prevention.

Strengthening Families to Prevent Teen Drug Use Strengthening Families to Prevent Teen Drug Use
August 4, 2010

Experts say one way to prevent young people from using drugs is to strengthen family relationships, so that youth develop an open and trusting relationship with parents.

4H logo How much do you know about…4-H and Positive Youth Development?
August 4, 2010

4-H provides opportunities for youth development and for youth to develop skills, practical knowledge, and wisdom through observing, doing, and living through experiences.

4-H Expands To New Audiences 4-H Expands To New Audiences
August 4, 2010

4-H provides predictable programming and a safe and nurturing environment for military youth, whose families may move frequently and experience difficulties surrounding lengthy and frequent deployments.

cciTools logo New Website Helps Federal Staff Support Comprehensive Community Initiatives
August 4, 2010

The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has established a new website, cciToolsforFeds.org, offering a wealth of tools and resources to help Federal staff plan, support, and help sustain Comprehensive Community Initiatives (CCIs)...

Cooperation for National and community service logo AmeriCorps NCCC: Strengthening Communities and Developing Leaders
August 4, 2010

The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is one of the three programs that form AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in service to address critical community needs within the United States. AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-25.

Girl and her Mentor A Match Made in Pittsburgh Cultivates a Young Girl's Strengths
August 4, 2010

Eleven-year-old Summer needed a positive environment where she could be a child and not grow up too fast. Gwyneth Gaul, a 28-year-old fundraiser, provides that positivity as Summer's mentor. The two were "matched" by Amachi Pittsburgh, which pairs children of incarcerated parents with caring adults.

Find Youth Info Logo "A Day On, Not a Day Off!"
August 4, 2010

On January 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds will come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the "Beloved Community"; that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned.

Find Youth Info Logo General Colin L. Powell to Headline National Mentoring Month 2010
August 4, 2010

National Mentoring Month (January) is the month each year when our nation officially shines a spotlight on the importance of mentors and the need for every child to have a caring adult in their life.

Safe Youth, Safe Schools Safe Youth, Safe Schools
August 4, 2010

More than 55 million young people will return to school in the United States this fall. While schools remain relatively safe, any amount of violence is unacceptable. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators expect schools to be safe havens of learning.

Homeless girl on a bench U.S. Government sets goal to end youth homelessness in 10 years
August 4, 2010

The U.S. Department of Education reported that 53,000 homeless youth were supported through school-based programs last year, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development counted more than 22,000 young people in emergency or transitional housing in 2009.

Smiling teen Data from 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Released
August 4, 2010

The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summary and the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data are available.

May is National Foster Care Month May is National Foster Care Month
May 1, 2010

National Foster Care Month is a time to acknowledge the 463,000 American children and youth in foster care and the family members, foster parents, volunteers, mentors, child welfare professionals, and policymakers who help them find permanent homes and connections.