Turn Around Program (TAP)

Chestermere Crime Reduction Partnership (CCRP)

Many social experts argue that today’s youth are under more stress than ever before. Gang

involvement, violence, proliferation of drugs, binge drinking and high risk sexual activity and heartbreak all make life tough for today’s youth. There are some factors about teenage behaviour that contribute to an increase in the likelihood that they are at-risk. These include:

1. School life. Is your teen failing at school, are their grades dropping or are they in conflict with staff?
2. Family life. Is your teen rebellious? Do they argue often with their parents and/or siblings? Do they threaten to run away or even gonmissing for periods of time?
3. The law. Is your teen in trouble with authority? Do the police come calling to interview your child about certain incidents?
4. The community. Is your teen a dropout from sporting clubs, the church or other local group activities? Have they abandoned the things which once took pride of place in their life?
5. Unusual behavior. Is your teen prone to lose their cool beyond what might be considered

normal? Are they angry and abusive? Do they threaten you or other family members? Have they dropped long-time friendships?

6. Depression. Is your teen spending long periods of time alone perhaps in their room? Do they speak less and make fewer comments in family conversations? Have they been medically examined for depression? Do they seem listless and disinterested in most things?
7. Sexuality. Is your teen sexually active? Do you know their partner or partners? Is your teen aware of STDs? Is your teen well-informed when it comes to the dangers of unprotected sex?
8. Truthfulness. Have you caught your teen telling lies? Do they seem secretive and not open and forthcoming? Are they unwilling to give details of where they’ve been or with whom? Do you suspect them of stealing from home?
9. Fear. Are you afraid of your teen? Are you worried that what you say or do will cause them to explode and use bad language? Has your teen threatened you or your family?
10. Self-belief. Does your teen seem to lack confidence? Are they without motivation for most or many things? Do they have an “I don’t care” attitude to life?
Source: www.atriskyouthprograms.com

Contact for more information:

Jennifer Labrecque, MSW, RSW

Turn Around Worker

Town of Chestermere

jlabrecque@chestermere.ca