How to Build Trust With At-Risk Youths

Member

By TerriR
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(2 Ratings)

Building trust with youths who are at-risk takes patience.

If you have interacted with youths who are victims of divorce, family tragedy, drug and/or alcohol addiction or abuse then you know that these kids definitely have some trust issues. They are angry and feel as if they have no one but themselves to count on. Building trust with at-risk young people can be challenging. Here are guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Meet any physical needs the youth may have before anything else. At-risk youths are often concerned about where the next meal is coming from, where they are going to stay tonight and medical attention. There is nothing more important than meeting these basic needs. Be familiar with your area resources so that you can assist the youth in getting those needs met.
Step 2

Be approachable. If an at-risk youth perceives you as unfriendly, snobbish or judgmental they will not even consider trusting you. You must show an interest in all youth and not single out the one you are trying to help. Talk to young people in your neighborhood, schools, sporting events, church and anywhere you are at. Present yourself as friendly and outgoing. Smile.
Step 3

Take advantage of every opportunity to make a connection with the at-risk youth you are trying to help. Approach the youth often and make the contact personal by calling her by name. Make direct eye contact. Make inquiries about home, family, school; anything that lets the youth know that you remember her and are sincerely interested in how things are going for her.
Step 4

Build a friendship based on honesty and sincerity. At-risk youths already have trust issues and can spot a fake a mile away. If the youth feels you are being straight with him he will slowly begin to open up to you.
Step 5

Really listen. Sometimes at-risk youths have a hard time expressing themselves or saying what they really mean. Show interest and give your full attention, avoiding distractions like a ringing phone. Don't interrupt by trying to correct misconceptions. Let the youth finish speaking before you say anything. Ask open-ended questions to make sure you understand what the youth said and to encourage conversation. Don't push. Watch for visual clues that lets you know the youth no longer wants to continue the discussion.
Step 6

Be consistent. Each and every contact you have with an at-risk youth requires that you be who you have presented yourself to be: a caring, trustworthy adult. Don't blow it because you've had a bad day.
Step 7

Expect this to be a long process. At-risk youths don't easily trust others. Be patient and allow trust to develop at the youth's own pace.

Comments

therlong said

Flag This Comment

on 4/14/2009 Finally, an eWorkbook for training adults who work with youths who are going through the struggles of adolescence. Motivational Mentoring 101 is a simple proven system of strategies, concepts and ideas for motivating at-risk or troubled teens. To learn more please visit http://ow.ly/2wMG for more information. Sincerely, Therlon HarrisAuthor