A8: YYA with lived experience have true expertise in systems that affect them. Like YALC member Kirsten speaks to, providing YYA with a safe space to be heard and express experiences in their own way is key to growing and sustaining partnerships to reach others. #TNOYSTownHall
Q4: Housing is sexual exploitation prevention. Providers can connect youth to housing and shelter, but we need the support of #txlege and our cities to ensure enough housing and shelter for Texas youth and young adults to #EndHumanTrafficking#TNOYSTownhall
@TNOYS A5 (2/2): Providers can be more effective by understanding local prevention services, establishing a network of connections that can support individual YYA needs, and prioritizing "warm hand-offs" when referring youth to others. Learn more on page 44 of TNOYS' CSEY Manual!
@TNOYS A1: Homelessness is a primary risk factor for CSEY. Many youth become exploited when they have nowhere to go and no one to whom they can turn. This is demonstrated by the estimated rate of CSEY among homeless youth (10-15%), a rate that is almost doubled in Texas!
@TNOYS A4: Homelessness service providers must be trained to engage YYA and provide robust services to CSEY survivors. This June 4-7, TNOYS' Annual Conference will feature a CSEY workshop track for attendees of all levels to learn more about CSEY, improve their services, and earn CEUs.
I am not personally sure, but my guess is education such as classes on physical / emotional fitness. What I do know is creating truly safe spaces for YYA to ask questions and seek assistance without the fear of feeling judged or being reprimanded is essential.
A7: Knowing that YYA development may be different even the obstacles so not assuming we are doing life wrong when we are learning in the process. Understanding your words can either hurt or heal when trying to communicate with us.
#TNOYSTownHall#PositiveYouthDevelopment
A9: Often, youth respond best and develop the most when adults in their lives focus on building a connection first and pay attention to youths' interests. Hear what YALC Member Daisia had to say about how adults did just that in her life #TNOYSTownhall
Q9: How have adult role models or mentors contributed to YYAs personal growth and development? What has worked well? #TNOYSTownHall#PositiveYouthDevelopment
A8 (2/2): TNOYS incorporates PYD by engaging youth in conversations about services & practices directly affecting their lives. E.g. during conferences & training, TNOYS holds youth panels w/ our YALC & TELB. We encourage providers to elevate youth voice in their programming!
A8 (1/2): Research supports that YYA that engage in programs the center PYD feel more psychologically safe, are more likely to seek help when in need, and learn to be more resilient, especially for those who have experienced violence or other trauma. #TNOYSTownhall
A7: Training is a great way to address these barriers. TNOYS' member portal is a one-stop-hub for training on promoting normalcy, supporting YYA in the workplace, and more - all on your own time, from anywhere in the world. Email [email protected] to learn more. #TNOYSTownHall
A6: Here is what Ronald, a panelist at TNOYS’ most recent Building Alliances with Youth training, has to say about helping youth develop life skills to support their transition into adulthood! #TNOYSTownHall#PositiveYouthDevelopment
@TNOYS PAL has the right idea with the budgeting classes and cooking classes as well. I do believe that the hands on classes are amazing transition methods. I think we should also think about prioritizing college tours for youth getting to the age of graduating high school.
A2: One of the top training requests we get for more information about Positive Youth Development and youth engagement. TNOYS hosts trainings on these topics and more throughout the year, keep up with our upcoming opportunities at https://t.co/4iTlr45qeD #TNOYSTownHall
A4: Empowering youth means understanding their health challenges. Providers play a crucial role in guiding YYA through barriers like limited health info, mental health gaps, and preventive care. Let's equip them to make informed choices. #TNOYSTownHall
Q4: Positive health and mental health are very important for YYA development. What are best practices to foster physical and mental well-being in young people? #TNOYSTownHall#PositiveYouthDevelopment
A3 (2/2): Providers who can walk beside youth in the midst of challenges or mistakes and help YYA understand how their actions impact their goals, contribute to YYA resilience, social emotional learning, and provide a level or normalcy that YYA don't always have. #TNOYSTownHall
A3 (1/2): Systems-involved YYA face many challenges, it can be tempting/reflexive for providers to solve problems for them. YALC member Divine explained another way providers can support YYA during TNOYS' recent Building Alliances Training #TNOYSTownHall