Adolescence is a time of many transitions for both teens and their families. Ensuring that teens and the adults around them navigate these transitions successfully, it is critical to understand what is happening to the teen physically, cognitively, and socially; and how these transitions affect teens. There are many things adults can do and many support resources available that assist in this transitional stage. As you navigate through these pages and read the information available about this stage of development, keep in mind that while all teens develop, they don't all follow the same timeline.


As defined by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration), YOUTH GUIDED means that young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision-making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and procedures that govern the care for all youth in the community, state, and nation.

Youth voices express the ideas and opinions of young people about topics such as:

* Social and Emotional Health
* Mental Health Diagnoses
* Substance Abuse
* Suicide Prevention
* Teen Pregnancy
* Violence
* Transitioning Into Adulthood
* Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
* Relationships
* Education
* Family Life

Some Roles for Youth include:

* Youth Group Leaders
* Peer Advocates
* Trainers
* Governing Board Positions
* State and Local Committees
* Social Marketing
* Evaluators Voicing Our Inner Creative Energy (VOICE)

Come and get involved in driving the mission of the Southeast Mental Health System of Care and have our voices heard and we can do that through:

* Learn Positive Leadership Skills
* Get Involved in Your Community
* Connect With Other Motivated Youth in Southeastern CT!

 

  

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