Coming of Age: Supporting Teens and Young Families in the 21st Century
The 21st Century poses unique challenges for adolescents and those who serve them. The shift in demographics to a “majority minority” population; the rapid increase of immigrant youth and young families; the pressing need to openly address the needs of LGBTQ youth; iPods, internet, chat rooms, MySpace, and provocative prime time viewing represent just some of the complex issues we all face. In order to foster positive youth development and nurture young families we must focus on consistently taking a youth-centered approach to connect with the teens and families we serve. One of the hardest challenges we face is finding ways to reach adolescents on their terms – using the technology they rely on, media they relate to and programs geared toward the needs of an increasingly diverse population.
This year, Healthy Teen Network and CACSAP will showcase research, programs and media that engage teens and young families and provide support, education and resources that recognize the complexity of our culture. Our conference features advances in the fields of teen pregnancy, parenting and prevention and offers concrete strategies to increase our ability to serve youth in the 21st Century. Join us in Anaheim this November 2006, for a conference that will expand your knowledge, improve your resources, challenge your thinking and provide insight into reaching today's youth.