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Children and teens who live in long-term foster care experience higher rates of behavioral and emotional problems compared with their peers who are reunited with their families or adopted, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.

Conflict management is the practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly and efficiently. The teacher, counselor, or youth workers role in helping at-risk youth resolve conflicts is to listen. Listening empowers the youth to take ownership of the conflict.

Grit is defined as passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-term goals. Grit is not talent nor luck. It is having a goal and working toward that goal. Not giving up.  Angela Duckworth has popularized the concept of Grit. Grit is a life skill that can be learned. Angela Duckworth said: “Grit may not be sufficient for success, but it sure is necessary. If we want our children to have a shot at a productive and satisfying life, we adults should make it our concern to provide them with the two things all children deserve: challenges to exceed what they were able to do yesterday and the support that makes that growth possible.

Suicides among young people is a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years old. Since the beginning of COVID suicide has increased in at-risk teens and young adults.

1. Stress

These young people in middle school have stress in their life. They may have negative thoughts or feelings about themselves. Their bodies are changing and that is stressful. They may have family problems such as separation or divorce of parents. They may have issues with their friends. Hanging with the wrong crowd can be stressful.  Some may live in unsafe environments. They make take on too many activities. Others live in poverty, or their families are facing financial or medical problems. If they have to change schools, this can be a major stressor.

ARISE Life Skills Curriculum help youth deal with the events and challenges of everyday life. After participating in the ARISE life skills groups youth acquire a new sense of well-being, they are engaged in learning and motivated to make positive changes in their lives.

ARISE Life Skills Lessons for Head Start Programs can be utilized by Head Start Programs to improve school readiness by emphasizing social and emotional skills and providing healthy mental and physical development.