Trusted Adult
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Trusted adults are a vital part of a young person’s support system. These adults offer a listening ear and advice to keep struggling youth out of harmful situations. You might be a trusted adult if you’re a parent, coach, teacher, family member, clergy, counselor, mentor, or caregiver.
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Who Are Trusted Adults?
The goal of a trusted adult is to make a child feel safe, heard, and believed in. By taking on the role of a trusted adult, you can help young people maintain good mental health, build their self-esteem, and avoid problem behaviors such as substance misuse.
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Trusted Adult Links
Join DCHYC’s mission to ensure every Douglas County child/teen has one trusted adult in their lives by learning more about trusted adults:
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One Trusted Adult
Join the One Trusted Adult Community to learn to build stronger connections and healthier boundaries with young people.
A Guide for Trusted Adults
Practical tips and tools for supporting girls and young women in navigating online life.
Understanding The Workings of the Adolescent Brain
Teenagers are wired to learn — but this same wiring also makes them more vulnerable to addiction. Neuroscientist Frances Jensen discusses how the biology of the teen brain presents a double-edged sword.
Trusted Adult – Tough Stuff
Deep dive into the critical role that trusted adults play in the prevention of suicide. Learn how you can become a trusted adult and/or enlist the support of other trusted adults in your journey of parenting.
The Adolescent Brain
Supporting the health and wellbeing of our youth while empowering them to be kind, caring and compassionate citizens who honor vulnerability and are driven to help others
Youth Mental Health Crisis
Get to know your community and resources so you can help during a mental health crisis. Find out about crisis lines and remember – there is always help.
Mental Health and Social Media
Learn about both the benefits and disadvantages of social media usage on your mental health. This video will cover health habits for social media, and what to do if social media is impacting you and your families mental health.
Racism and Mental Health
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are the target of prejudice, systemic discrimination, microaggressions, and physical acts of violence due to the color of their skin. Experiences of racism not only cause distress in the moment but can also lead to mental health issues that become more severe with each experience.
Positive Youth Development
Ways trusted adults, youth serving organizations and individuals can support the health and well being of youth
Everyday Mentor
Evidence-based tips and strategies for coaches, afterschool staff, parents and other adults who want to use evidence-based practice in their work with youth.
Mentor Colorado
Resources & workshops for screening, training and recruiting volunteer mentors.
Motivational Interviewing
A method of helping teens find their internal motivations to change behaviors.
Supporting the Health & Wellbeing of our LGBTQ+
Youth who identify as LGBTQ are at increased risk for mental health problems, bullying, and suicidal thoughts.
Trevor Project
LGBTQ Youth & Suicide: Common Crisis Issues & Best Practices for Youth-Serving Adults