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Exploring Alternative Financing Options for International Trade

As businesses engage in international trade, it becomes essential to explore alternative financing options beyond traditional methods. In this article, we will delve into the world of alternative financing for international trade, including trade finance, export credit, factoring, and crowdfunding. By expanding your financial toolkit, you can better support your …

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Optimizing Supply Chain Efficiency in International Trade Brokerage

Optimizing supply chain efficiency is crucial for international trade brokers seeking to excel in the competitive global marketplace. A well-structured and efficient supply chain enhances operational performance, reduces costs, minimizes risks, and improves customer satisfaction. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of supply chain efficiency in international …

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Unlocking New Market Opportunities: Exploring Emerging Economies

Unlocking New Market Opportunities: Exploring Emerging Economies, learn more below! Table of Content: Introduction Explanation of emerging economies Importance of exploring new market opportunities Definition and Characteristics of Emerging Economies Definition of emerging economies Key characteristics of emerging economies Examples of emerging economies Growth Potential of Emerging Economies Factors driving …

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The Role of Due Diligence in International Trade Brokerage

The Role of Due Diligence in International Trade Brokerage, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Understanding the Role of Due DiligenceH2: Key Steps in Conducting Due DiligenceH3: Researching the Market and IndustryH3: Verifying the Legitimacy of Parties InvolvedH3: Assessing Financial StabilityH3: Analyzing Legal and Regulatory ComplianceH2: Benefits of Due Diligence …

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Maximizing Profits: Strategies for International Trade Brokerage Success

Maximizing Profits: Strategies for International Trade Brokerage Success, learn more in this article. Meta Description: Discover effective strategies for maximizing profits in international trade brokerage. Explore pricing strategies, cost optimization techniques, market analysis, and client retention strategies to achieve success and drive profitability in the competitive world of international trade. …

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Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers in International Trade

Overcoming language and cultural barriers in international trade, read the full article below. Meta Description: Learn how to overcome language and cultural barriers in international trade. Discover strategies for effective communication, building cultural understanding, and fostering successful business relationships across different languages and cultures. Focus Key Phrases: Overcoming language and …

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The Importance of Continuous Learning in International Trade Brokerage

The Importance of Continuous Learning in International Trade Brokerage, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Value of Continuous Learning in International Trade BrokerageH2: Staying Updated with Industry Trends and Market DynamicsH3: Monitoring Global Trade Policies and RegulationsH3: Keeping Abreast of Market Trends and Emerging OpportunitiesH2: Expanding Knowledge and ExpertiseH3: …

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How to Build a Strong Network of International Trade Partners

How to Build a Strong Network of International Trade Partners, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Importance of Building a Strong Network of International Trade PartnersH2: Identifying Key Stakeholders and PartnersH3: Understanding the Trade LandscapeH3: Researching Potential PartnersH2: Strategies for Partnership Development in International TradeH3: Attending Trade Fairs and …

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Effective Negotiation Techniques for International Trade Brokers

Effective Negotiation Techniques for International Trade Brokers, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Importance of Effective Negotiation Techniques for International Trade BrokersH2: Building Relationships: The Foundation of Successful NegotiationsH3: Establishing Trust and RapportH3: Understanding Cultural DifferencesH2: Leveraging Communication SkillsH3: Active ListeningH3: Effective Verbal and Non-Verbal CommunicationH2: Preparation and StrategyH3: …

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The Role of Technology in Transforming International Trade Brokerage

The Role of Technology in Transforming International Trade Brokerage, learn more in the below article. Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Evolution of International Trade BrokerageH2: Automation and Digitalization in Trade ProcessesH3: Streamlining Documentation and ComplianceH3: Enhancing Communication and CollaborationH2: Data Analytics for Trade Decision-MakingH3: Utilizing Big Data for Market AnalysisH3: Predictive …

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Expanding Your International Trade Brokerage Business Globally

International trade brokerage business expansion Table of Content: Introduction Importance of expanding international trade brokerage business Overview of the article Understanding the Global Trade Landscape Exploring the opportunities in global markets Analyzing market trends and demands Identifying potential risks and challenges Market Research and Analysis Conducting comprehensive market research Assessing …

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Scaling Your International Trade Brokerage Business: Strategies for Growth

Scaling Your International Trade Brokerage Business: Strategies for Growth, learn more below. Meta Description: Discover effective strategies for scaling your international trade brokerage business. Explore growth opportunities, optimize operations, expand your network, and enhance your services to take your business to new heights. Unlock the potential for success and achieve …

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10 Essential Tools for Successful International Trade Brokers

10 Essential Tools for Successful International Trade Brokers, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Importance of Tools for Successful International Trade BrokersH2: Advanced Software SolutionsH3: Trade Management SystemsH3: Customs Compliance SoftwareH2: Reliable Communication PlatformsH3: Video Conferencing ToolsH3: Instant Messaging AppsH2: Market Research ResourcesH3: Trade Data and Analytics PlatformsH3: Industry …

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls in International Trade Brokerage

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in International Trade Brokerage, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Importance of Avoiding Common Pitfalls in International Trade BrokerageH2: Inadequate Market Research and AnalysisH3: Understanding Market Trends and DemandH3: Assessing Competitive LandscapeH2: Lack of Due DiligenceH3: Verifying Counterparty CredentialsH3: Assessing Legal and Regulatory ComplianceH2: Communication BarriersH3: …

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Building Trust in International Trade Brokerage: Case Studies and Success Stories

Building Trust in International Trade Brokerage: Case Studies and Success Stories, read more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: The Significance of Trust in International Trade BrokerageH2: Establishing Credibility and Building TrustH3: Delivering on PromisesH3: Consistency and ReliabilityH2: Effective Communication as a Trust-Building ToolH3: Active Listening and Understanding Client NeedsH3: Transparency and …

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Streamlining Documentation Processes in International Trade

Streamlining Documentation Processes in International Trade, learn more in the below article. Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Importance of Streamlining Documentation ProcessesH2: Digitalization and Automation in International TradeH3: Transitioning to Digital DocumentsH3: Utilizing Electronic Signature SolutionsH2: Efficient Record-Keeping for Trade OperationsH3: Organizing and Indexing DocumentsH3: Implementing Document Management SystemsH2: Strategies for Smooth …

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Managing Currency Risks in International Trade

Managing Currency Risks in International Trade, learn more in the below article. Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Understanding Currency Risks in International TradeH2: Impact of Exchange Rate FluctuationsH3: Exchange Rate Risk ExposureH3: Importance of Currency Risk ManagementH2: Risk Mitigation Techniques in International TradeH3: Hedging StrategiesH3: Invoice Currency SelectionH3: Currency DerivativesH2: Currency Risk …

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The Role of Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in International Trade Brokerage

The Role of Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in International Trade Brokerage, learn more below! Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Understanding the Role of Trade Fairs and ExhibitionsH2: Facilitating Networking and ConnectionsH3: Building Relationships with Suppliers and BuyersH3: Collaboration and PartnershipsH2: Market Research and InsightsH3: Exploring New Markets and Industry TrendsH3: Gathering Competitive …

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Enhancing Customer Satisfaction in International Trade Brokerage

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction in International Trade Brokerage, learn more in this article. Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Understanding the Importance of Customer SatisfactionH2: Effective Communication with ClientsH3: Active Listening and Understanding NeedsH3: Prompt and Clear CommunicationH2: Personalized Service in Trade BrokerageH3: Tailoring Solutions to Individual Client NeedsH3: Going the Extra MileH2: Building …

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Managing International Trade Logistics for Seamless Operations

Managing International Trade Logistics for Seamless Operations, learn more in the below article. Table of ContentIntroductionH1: Understanding the Importance of International Trade LogisticsH2: Supply Chain Optimization in Trade OperationsH3: Inventory Management and Demand ForecastingH3: Streamlining Supplier RelationshipsH2: Risk Management in International LogisticsH3: Identifying and Mitigating RisksH3: Compliance with Customs and …

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Unveiling the Secrets of Successful International Trade Brokerage Networks

Unveiling the Secrets of Successful International Trade Brokerage Networks, learn below. Introduction of Unveiling the Secrets of Successful International Trade Brokerage Networks International trade brokerage networks are instrumental in connecting trade professionals, facilitating collaborations, and unlocking new opportunities. This article delves into the secrets of successful international trade brokerage networks. …

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Understanding Trade Financing Options for International Trade Brokers

Understanding Trade Financing Options for International Trade Brokers, learn more in the below article! Table of Content IntroductionOverview of Trade Financing for International Trade Brokers1. Importance of Trade Financing2. Common Trade Financing OptionsFactoring and Invoice Financing1. Definition and Function2. Pros and ConsLetters of Credit1. Definition and Function2. Pros and ConsSupply …

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Unlocking International Trade Brokerage Opportunities in Special Economic Zones

Unlocking International Trade Brokerage Opportunities in Special Economic Zones? Learn how below Introduction of unlocking International Trade Brokerage Opportunities in Special Economic Zones In the dynamic landscape of international trade brokerage, businesses are constantly seeking new avenues to expand their reach and tap into lucrative markets. One such avenue that …

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Staying Ahead of the Competition: Innovations in International Trade Brokerage

Staying Ahead of the Competition in today’s globalized world is crucial, since international trade plays a pivotal role in economic growth and development. As businesses expand their operations across borders, the need for efficient and reliable international trade brokerage services becomes increasingly important. However, the landscape of international trade brokerage …

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Understanding Customs Regulations: A Must-Know for International Trade Brokers

In the complex landscape of international trade, understanding customs regulations is crucial for the success of international trade brokers. Customs regulations govern the movement of goods across borders and encompass various legal, administrative, and procedural requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of understanding customs regulations, provide …

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Effective Negotiation Techniques for International Trade Brokers

Negotiation techniques for trade brokers is a crucial skill for international trade brokers. The ability to navigate complex negotiations, secure favorable deals, and foster long-term partnerships can greatly impact the success of trade brokerage endeavors. In this article, we will explore effective negotiation techniques that empower trade brokers to achieve …

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Identifying Profitable Products for International Trade Brokerage

Identifying profitable products is a crucial step for international trade brokers seeking success in the dynamic global marketplace. By identifying products with high profit potential, trade brokers can optimize their operations, attract clients, and maximize revenue. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of identifying profitable products for …

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Unveiling the Power of Semenax: A Comprehensive Review

Unveiling the Power of Semenax: A Comprehensive Review, read the full article below! Introduction of Unveiling the Power of Semenax: A Comprehensive Review Welcome to our in-depth review of Semenax, a leading male enhancement supplement that aims to enhance sexual performance and satisfaction. In this Semenax Review Article, we are …

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Comprehensive Semenax Review: Unlocking the Potential of Male Sexual Wellness

Comprehensive Semenax Review, learn more inside. Introduction of Comprehensive Semenax Review Welcome to our in-depth Semenax review, where we explore the effectiveness, ingredients, and potential side effects of this popular male enhancement supplement. At Semenax review, we strive to provide: Reliable and Unbiased information to help individuals make informed decisions …

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We Unveil the Ultimate Provestra Review: Unlocking the Secrets to Enhanced Female Health and Wellness

We Unveil the Ultimate Provestra Review: Unlocking the Secrets to Enhanced Female Health and Wellness Introduction of Provestra Review Welcome to our comprehensive Provestra review, where we delve deep into the intricacies of this revolutionary supplement designed to enhance female health and wellness. At our website, we are dedicated to …

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Unveiling the Truth about Provestra: The Ultimate Review

Unveiling the Truth about Provestra: The Ultimate Review Introduction of The Truth about Provestra Welcome to our comprehensive Provestra review. At our website, we are dedicated to providing you with the most reliable and detailed information about health and wellness products. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies …

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The Power of Erectin: Boosting Your Health and Vitality

The Power of Erectin: Boosting Your Health and Vitality – Erectin Review Introduction of The Power of Erectin: Boosting Your Health and Vitality Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Erectin Review, a breakthrough supplement designed to enhance your overall health and well-being. At [OurCompany], we are committed to providing you …

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Boost Your Performance: A Comprehensive Review of Erectin

Boost Your Performance – Review of Erectin Introduction of Boost Your Performance – Review of Erectin Welcome to our comprehensive review of Erectin, a cutting-edge male performance enhancement supplement designed to unleash your full potential in the bedroom. At How To Info, we are committed to providing you with the …

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HyperGH Reviews (Part 2)

### Does GH improve health?The secretion of growth hormone diminishes over time, prompting many people to use synthetic human growth hormones. Most of the GH supplements are used to build muscle and gain more muscle and bone mass. Athletes who do their best work need HGH and testosterone supplements to …

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Dim3X Review 2022

### Does Dim3X lower the estrogen in males?Yes, it does for men between 30 to 60 years old, as they age they witness gradual reduction in their energy levels. This is due to reduction in testosterone levels. The solution is to increase them naturally. #### What’s the dosage of Dim3X?It’s …

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Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

U.S. immigration law provides aliens with a variety of ways to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) through employment in the United States. These employment-based (EB) “preference immigrant” categories include: This page provides specific information for aliens in the United States who want to apply for lawful permanent resident status …

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Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants

Alert: On Nov. 2, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule (84 Fed. Reg. 41,292 (Aug. 14, 2019), as amended by Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds; Correction, 84 Fed. Reg. 52,357 (Oct. 2, 2019)) (Public Charge Final …

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Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country …

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Consular Processing

Once you are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, there are two ways to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). If you are outside of the United States, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State …

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Concurrent Filing of Form I-485

Concurrent filing of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status is when an adjustment of status application (Form I-485) is filed prior to the approval of the underlying immigrant visa petition.  To be considered concurrently filed, the immigrant visa petition and the adjustment of status application (Form I-485) are filed at …

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Travel Documents

Depending on your immigration status (including lawful permanent residents) or if you have an application for an immigration benefit pending, you may need to carry different types of travel documents if you wish to return to the United States lawfully after traveling abroad. In certain cases, you should apply for …

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Finding a Medical Doctor

Medical examinations and vaccinations in the United States are typically required for anyone who files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If we require you to undergo an immigration medical exam, see the myUSCIS Find a Doctor page for help finding a designated physician (also known …

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Affidavit of Support

ALERT: On Feb. 2, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, which revoked a May 23, 2019, presidential memorandum issued by former President Trump. Consistent with this executive order, on March 19, 2021, the …

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After Receiving a Decision

After you become a permanent resident, we mail you a welcome notice. Then we mail your new Permanent Resident Card(Green Card). If you move before you get your card, change your address online or call the USCIS Contact Center. You should also call the USCIS Contact Center if any of the following …

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Conditional Permanent Residence

A conditional permanent resident receives a Green Card valid for two years. To remove the conditions on your permanent resident status, you must file a petition within the 90-day period before your conditional Green Card expires. Use our Filing Calculator to determine your 90-day filing date. You cannot renew your …

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Maintaining Permanent Residence

Once you become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you maintain permanent resident status until you: Apply for and complete the naturalization process; or Lose or abandon your status. There are several ways that you can lose your status as a lawful permanent resident. Section 216 of the Immigration …

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Replace Your Green Card

The following sections will help you learn more about replacing your Green Card. Lawful Permanent Residents If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must replace your Green Card if: Conditional Permanent Residents If you are a conditional permanent resident, you must replace your Green Card if: If you are …

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Should I Consider U.S. Citizenship?

Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.  Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. Immigrants have helped shape and define the …

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I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years

Naturalization is the way that an alien not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. For more information on determining the earliest accepted filing date for …

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I am Married to a U.S. Citizen

To be eligible for naturalization under section 319(a) of the INA, you must: For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization. For information relating to spouses of military members, see our Citizenship for Military Family Members page. For information about becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or petitioning for …

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I am the Child of a U.S. Citizen

Citizenship Through U.S. Parents There are two general ways to obtain citizenship through U.S. citizen parents: at birth, and after birth but before the age of 18. Congress has enacted laws that determine how citizenship is conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) to children born outside of the …

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10 Steps to Naturalization

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue …

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The Naturalization Interview and Test

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Naturalization Ceremonies

If USCIS approves your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, we will schedule you to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. The naturalization ceremony is the culmination of the naturalization process. As USCIS safely resumes in-person services, some naturalization ceremonies may be conducted differently than in the past. To …

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Commonly Asked Questions

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Exceptions and Accommodations

There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.    For more information visit the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance. You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the …

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Free Naturalization Information Sessions

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Find Help in Your Community

Many community organizations and social service providers offer citizenship classes and assistance with the naturalization process. Classes are often held in the evenings and on weekends. In many cases, these programs provide additional support and referral services as well. If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use …

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Study for the Test (2008 version)

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Check for Test Updates

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Citizenship Multilingual Resources

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Register for Teacher Training

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

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Learn About the Citizenship and Integration Grant ProgramSuccess Stories from Grant Recipients

Learn about two new competitive funding opportunities under the Fiscal Year 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.  Since 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has been a part of a multifaceted effort to provide citizenship preparation resources, support, and information to immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations. The program has awarded more …

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Success Stories from Grant Recipients

USCIS grant recipients have demonstrated impressive creativity and innovation to promote citizenship and immigrant integration in their local communities. These success stories feature best practices and tips to help enhance any program that provides the important work of immigrant integration undertaken by USCIS grant recipients throughout the country.  Learn about creative ways to expand …

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Fiscal Year 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

On May 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting applications for two competitive funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. Through these two opportunities, USCIS will offer up to $10 million in competitive funding for programs that help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization and …

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Settling in the U.S.

To help new lawful permanent residents (LPR) integrate to life in the United States, check out the links below. USCIS offers helpful information about education, child care, employment, what to do in case of an emergency, and a number of popular topics that will help new immigrants settle in the U.S. First, begin with ‘About the United States’ to …

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Support Your Community

The United States has a long history of receiving immigrants from all over the world, and local communities play an important role in welcoming and supporting them. People in the United States also have a strong tradition of volunteerism and engagement in civic life and institutions. The links below will …

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Outstanding Americans by Choice

The Outstanding Americans by Choice initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans. USCIS will recognize naturalized citizens who have …

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Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign

The Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign promotes awareness of the rights, responsibilities, and importance of U.S. citizenship, and the free citizenship preparation resources available to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and immigrant-serving organizations. The goals are to: Invite LPRs to learn more about U.S. citizenship. Ensure that LPRs and stakeholders have …

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Register for a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit

OMB No. 1615-0120; Expires 12/31/2020 Registration is subject to review to ensure eligibility. If eligible, organizations will receive one copy of the Toolkit on a first-come, first-served basis. Resources are limited. See below for information on purchasing additional copies. Registration will be open while supplies last. PERSONAL REQUESTS BY INDIVIDUALS …

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Set Up a Citizenship Corner

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Libraries

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Museums

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Community-Based Organizations

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Local Governments

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Employers

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

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Adolescent Health

Adolescence is an important time for promoting health and preventing disease; one that is sometimes overlooked. Most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents,1 who are between the ages of 10 and 19, are generally healthy. In recent years, the United States has seen declines in sexual risk behaviors, teen births, …

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Adolescent Health

Adolescence is an important time for promoting health and preventing disease; one that is sometimes overlooked. Most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents,1 who are between the ages of 10 and 19, are generally healthy. In recent years, the United States has seen declines in sexual risk behaviors, teen births, …

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Federal Data

There are 42 million adolescents in the U.S., which make up more than 13 percent of the U.S. population.1 It is important to collect data on adolescents so changes in health outcomes and behaviors (positive and negative) can be tracked. With this information, practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers can respond accordingly …

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Adolescent Development

Adolescence is the developmental transition to adulthood that includes rapid changes in the brain and body, often at different rates and is a time for healthy exploration of identity and learning independence. It can also be a stressful or challenging for teens because of these rapid changes. Although every adult …

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Environmental Influences

The environments that surround adolescents contribute to their health and wellbeing both directly and indirectly. A clear way to look at all these influences is through the social-ecological model, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, which is often used within public health and human service settings to help explain an issue or …

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Disparities and Resiliency in Adolescent Health

The experience of adolescence can vary greatly depending on several factors such as family and community, race/ethnicity, and poverty. Adolescents who face multiple adversities over time can experience negative effects on their learning, behavior, social interactions, and health into adulthood.1 Therefore, understanding the lifelong effects of adversities and the differences …

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Adolescent Decision-Making Research

Adolescent Decision-Making Call for Research In 2019 the American Institutes for Research (AIR) issued a Call for Manuscript Proposals for work on an initiative funded under a contract issued by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) to support the work of the Interagency Working Group …

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Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG)

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG) is a national call to action to improve adolescent health in the United States. TAG calls upon organizations and individuals to prioritize activities that can support the health and healthy development of all of America’s 42 million adolescents. About TAG Learn about the goals …

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Afterschool Programs

Afterschool programs (sometimes called OST or Out-of-School Time programs) serve children and youth of all ages. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas including academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, arts, sports and recreation, apprenticeships, workforce development programs, and programs for opportunity youth (i.e., youth not in schools …

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Afterschool Programs

Afterschool programs (sometimes called OST or Out-of-School Time programs) serve children and youth of all ages. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas including academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, arts, sports and recreation, apprenticeships, workforce development programs, and programs for opportunity youth (i.e., youth not in schools …

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Benefits for Youth, Families, & Communities

School-age children and youth spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside of school, while 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are alone after the school day ends.1 High-quality afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a safe space where youth can explore their potential. Effective afterschool …

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Starting, Operating, & Sustaining

Starting an afterschool program can be a difficult task, particularly in areas where funding and support are scarce. It needs a combination of research and planning; developing program vision mission, design, and continuous improvement systems; workforce development; licensing; policies; and protocols; and risk management. It also highlights the importance of …

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Activities

Afterschool activities can vary widely depending on factors including age, background, and the community of participating youth. Research on afterschool programming finds that the most effective activities adapt to individual and small group needs. Furthermore, programming should be as engaging as possible, incorporating hands-on activities and connecting with students’ interests …

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Funding

Depending on the type of program and services provided, afterschool programs can access many of the Federal funding resources that support youth. Below, we provide detailed information on the largest federal funding sources that support afterschool programs. To search for specific Federal funding opportunities visit our grants.gov search. Many states …

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Workforce Development

A high-quality workforce is essential to providing afterschool programs that lead to positive outcomes for children and youth. The afterschool workforce includes a diverse group of afterschool workers, youth workers, credentialed teachers, social workers and other professionals, with varying levels of education and experience. The workforce is generally well-educated. Two-thirds …

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Health & Nutrition

Afterschool programs are well-positioned to promote health and nutrition among young people because these programs: Serve many groups of children most at risk for being overweight, specifically minorities and those in poverty Occur during a time of day when children are likely to be sedentary if not given active options …

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American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Youth

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, there were roughly 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the U.S., representing approximately 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population.1 This represents an 18 percent increase since the last decennial census. Of this group, more than 2.1 million …

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American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Youth

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, there were roughly 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the U.S., representing approximately 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population.1 This represents an 18 percent increase since the last decennial census. Of this group, more than 2.1 million …

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Cultural Considerations

It is important to recognize that cultural customs among AI/AN groups may vary significantly, even within a single community. Some reservations are home to multiple bands or tribes due to federal policies, which voluntarily or forcibly relocated bands, and tribes. Thus, within and amongst reservations, cultural differences exist, including language, …

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Child Welfare

Tribal child welfare has a unique history. In the past century, thousands of Indian children were forcibly removed from their tribes and placed in boarding schools where forced assimilation left them unable to speak their Native language or participate in their culture. Indian children grew to adulthood without the benefit …

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Education/Higher Education

The majority of AI/AN youth, an estimated 93 percent, attend public schools, while approximately seven percent attend Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools. Additionally, Native students are more likely to attend rural schools.1 AI/AN youth have fewer successful educational outcomes than the general population by nearly all measures. Among AI/AN …

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Workforce Development/Employment

Native Americans have a higher poverty and unemployment rate, compared with the national average.1 In 2007, 12 percent of AI/ANs aged 16 and older were unemployed, a rate much higher than other population groups in the U.S.2 More than one in three AI/AN children live in poverty.3 The U.S. Department …

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Juvenile Justice

American Indian youth are over-represented in state and federal juvenile justice systems and Indian youth in the system are more likely to face harsher treatment in the most restrictive environments. AI/AN youth are 50 percent more likely than White youth to receive the most punitive measures, including pepper spray, restraint, …

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Physical and Mental Health

AI/AN youth aged 15-25 face serious health disparities in multiple areas, including suicide, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and substance abuse.1 In 2010, nearly 30 percent of AI/ANs lacked health insurance and relied solely on the Indian Health Service (IHS), and currently only one in five AI/ANs have access to the …

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Children of Incarcerated Parents

Having a parent in prison can have an impact on a child’s mental health, social behavior, and educational prospects.1 The emotional trauma that may occur and the practical difficulties of a disrupted family life can be compounded by the social stigma that children may face as a result of having a …

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Children of Incarcerated Parents

Having a parent in prison can have an impact on a child’s mental health, social behavior, and educational prospects.1 The emotional trauma that may occur and the practical difficulties of a disrupted family life can be compounded by the social stigma that children may face as a result of having a …

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Trauma

Understanding trauma and how traumatic events can affect young people is essential when promoting recovery and resilience and ensuring that young people are not retraumatized through experiences with human service systems. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a working definition of trauma: Individual trauma results …

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Exposure to Violence

Sixty percent of children and youth are victims of or witnesses to sexual violence, physical violence, intimate partner violence, or community violence in their homes, schools, and communities.1 Further, almost 40 percent of these children have been exposed to more than one form of violence, and 10 percent have experienced five …

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Exposure to Drugs or Alcohol Abuse

The Federal Interagency Task Force for Drug Endangered Children defines drug-endangered children in this way: A drug endangered child is a person, under the age of 18, who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs, including pharmaceuticals, are illegally used, possessed, trafficked, diverted, and/or manufactured and, as …

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Child Welfare

The disruption of family relationships when parents are incarcerated can have a serious impact on children and youth, with consequences sometimes including temporary or permanent removal from the home. Although the number of children and youth placed in foster care as a result of their parent’s incarceration is not clearly …

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Services & Supports

To counteract potential negative outcomes as a result of the experience of children of incarcerated parents,1 it is important that communities create a coordinated system of supports for children of prisoners and their incarcerated parents. In addition to the targeted supports related to traumatic experiences; exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol; …

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Questions about Child Support

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) within the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) provides information and resources on child support to help address questions that incarcerated parents and other parents have. Resources April 2019 Child Support Report (PDF, 10 pages) This special edition of the Child Support Report provides resources …

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Presentations

The Benefits and Importance of Using YPAR with Youth with Incarcerated Parents On September 21, 2020, the Federal Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs hosted the webinar, The Benefits and Importance of Using YPAR with Youth with Incarcerated Parents. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is an approach in which researchers …

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Youth Perspectives

In June 2016, the federal government hosted a listening session with youth from across the country who have or have had an incarcerated parent. The listening session brought together 19 youth, ages 15 to 23, with a diverse range of experiences to discuss the challenges they had during their parent’s …

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Tools, Guides, & Resources

This page provides a continually-updated list of tools, guides, and resources to assist teachers, school staff, youth, parents, and youth-serving organizations in caring for and supporting children who have an incarcerated parent. Stay tuned to this page for additional new resources as they become available. NEW! See Us, Support Us Youth …

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Civic Engagement

Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid …

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Civic Engagement

Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid …

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Volunteerism

Rates Volunteering and Civic Life in America, 2014 shows that 62.6 million Americans volunteered 7.7 billion hours in 2014 — holding an estimated value of $173 billion. Seventeen percent of respondents reported mentoring youth, and 19 percent reported tutoring or teaching young people. Many of the nation’s volunteers are young …

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National Service

National service refers to programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs and initiatives. Participants in these programs address community needs in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, the environment, health, and veterans and military families. Rates Since 1994, 1 million individuals have served 1.4 billion hours in AmeriCorps and have earned $3.3 billion …

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Service-Learning

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that connects academic curriculum to community problem-solving. Today, elementary, middle, high, and postsecondary schools across the nation participate in service-learning with the support of federal, state, district, and foundation funding. Studies show that, in the past, more than 4 million students from more …

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Dating Violence Prevention

Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise.1 Unfortunately, teen dating violence—the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship—is a serious problem in the United States. A national survey found that ten percent of …

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Dating Violence Prevention

Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise.1 Unfortunately, teen dating violence—the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship—is a serious problem in the United States. A national survey found that ten percent of …

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Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships

Respect for both oneself and others is a key characteristic of healthy relationships. In contrast, in unhealthy relationships, one partner tries to exert control and power over the other physically, sexually, and/or emotionally. Healthy Relationships Healthy relationships share certain characteristics that teens should be taught to expect. They include: Mutual …

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Prevalence

The reported incidence of teen dating violence varies significantly across studies, yet even with variation the known prevalence rates establish it as a serious problem in the United States. The different rates of prevalence may be a result of differences in the methodology, the definitions, and/or in the targeted population …

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Electronic Aggression

With technological innovations and increased access to technology, youth are more likely to own and use cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices than ever before. Increased access to technology has benefits, but it also increases the risk of abuse. There is growing concern about electronic aggression—or cyberbullying—defined as any …

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Gender Considerations

Both boys and girls experience and perpetrate teen dating violence; often teens report that both partners committed aggressive acts during the relationship.1 Studies focused on the rates of teen dating violence by gender have had inconsistent results. While some studies have found girls to be victims of teen dating violence …

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Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase teens’ risk of experiencing and perpetrating teen dating violence. A number of studies have looked at the relationship between teen dating violence and community, family, peer, and individual risk factors. A lack of longitudinal data and a reliance on self-report data limits the causal connections that …

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Prevention Programs

The ultimate goal of education about youth violence is to stop teen dating violence before it begins. During the preteen and teen years, young people are learning the skills they need to form positive, healthy relationships with others, and it is therefore an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and …

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Consequences

As teens develop emotionally, they are heavily influenced by their relationship experiences. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s emotional development. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships may contribute to negative consequences. Research focused on the consequences of teen dating violence have similar limitations as those focused …

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Legal Responses

Not only do more teens than adults keep dating violence a secret, the majority of teen victims never obtain mental health services, seek protection in shelters, or pursue legal help, such as cases against abusers and protection orders.1 Access issues contribute to the lower rate of pursuing legal recourse among …

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Victim & Survivor Resources

Victims of teen dating violence often keep the abuse a secret. They should be encouraged to reach out to trusted adults like parents, teachers, school counselors, youth advisors, or health care providers. They can also seek confidential counsel and advice from professionally trained adults and peers. Resources for teens involved …

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Public Awareness

Though slow to gain recognition as a policy and health concern, teen dating violence has recently gained more recognition as a pressing social problem in the United States. For example, in 2006, the first National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week was held. This nationwide initiative was designed to increase public …

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Additional Federal Resources

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free, web-based courses. Courses identify problems and risk factors, screening and assessment tools, prevention and intervention strategies, tools for clients, and legal issues surrounding interpersonal violence. Various courses offer …

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Disabilities

Disabilities can be an important part of a young person’s identity and can contribute to their life in many ways. These identities shape how young people with disabilities foster their strengths, interests, and diverse perspectives on the world around them. At the same time, youth with physical, mental, intellectual, and/or …

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Disabilities

Disabilities can be an important part of a young person’s identity and can contribute to their life in many ways. These identities shape how young people with disabilities foster their strengths, interests, and diverse perspectives on the world around them. At the same time, youth with physical, mental, intellectual, and/or …

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Inclusion and Accessibility

Inclusion Disability inclusion means that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of life to the fullest extent possible. These opportunities include participation in education, employment, public health programming, community living, and service learning.1 Including people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to have …

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Education

Youth with disabilities need what all youth need, including school-based preparatory experiences and other opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. While youth with disabilities should set and manage their own goals, they can experience many challenges in accessing and participating in education due to external barriers like stereotypes, low …

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Employment and Postsecondary Education

Transitioning from School to Employment As a student approaches the time to leave high school, it is important that preparations for adult life are well underway. For youth with disabilities, as with all youth, the transition from school to adulthood is an important time to prepare for future employment and …

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Special Populations

Youth with disabilities who receive services from the social service system (e.g., foster care, juvenile justice) are at an even greater risk for negative outcomes.1 They frequently have multiple stresses to face while also transitioning into adulthood. The repeated exposure to stress and risk factors requires special attention when developing and …

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Driver Safety

Teen motor vehicle crashes can be prevented, and statistics indicate that the annual number of drivers aged 15 to 17 years involved in fatal crashes decreased 48 percent from 2005 to 2014 (Governors Highway Traffic Safety Association (GHSA), 2016). While this is promising, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading …

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Driver Safety

Teen motor vehicle crashes can be prevented, and statistics indicate that the annual number of drivers aged 15 to 17 years involved in fatal crashes decreased 48 percent from 2005 to 2014 (Governors Highway Traffic Safety Association (GHSA), 2016). While this is promising, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading …

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Prevalence

While traffic safety for young drivers in the United States has generally improved over the last decade, recent data suggests a concerning countertrend. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that crash-related deaths among 15- to 20-year-olds decreased every year between 2007 and 2014, an encouraging sign …

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Youth Most At Risk

Based on the statistics it is clear that all youth are at risk for being involved in traffic-related crashes. Some factors such as age, experience, gender, and personality increase this risk. Age and Experience Developmental research suggests that teen drivers do not always realize the consequences of their actions because areas …

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Additional Risk Factors

Teens, particularly those with risk-taking personalities, are disproportionately at risk for motor vehicle crashes. Research further shows that certain situations and environmental factors or actions increase the chance that a teen will be injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash. Most of the factors listed below are not unique …

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Promoting Safe Driving

The teen driver safety record in the United States has improved over recent years. Yet the United States’ decline still lags behind many other countries that had similar traffic death rates approximately twenty years ago. For example, death rates in Australia, Canada, and France have been reduced by as much …

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Federal Data

National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) NASS is composed of two systems, the Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) and the General Estimates System (GES). These are based on cases selected from a sample of police crash reports. CDS data focus on passenger vehicle crashes, and are used to investigate injury mechanisms to …

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Employment

Nearly all young people—98.6 percent—hold at least one job between the ages of 18 and 25.1 The average young person holds 6.3 jobs between 18 and 25.2 Some work part-time or summers only, while others see full-time permanent employment as their path to economic independence. Employment can be beneficial for …

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Employment

Nearly all young people—98.6 percent—hold at least one job between the ages of 18 and 25.1 The average young person holds 6.3 jobs between 18 and 25.2 Some work part-time or summers only, while others see full-time permanent employment as their path to economic independence. Employment can be beneficial for …

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Employment During COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation has developed a set of graphics to demonstrate the changes in employment and labor force participation among youth ages 16 to 24 during COVID-19. Updated 6/16/21. Download the chart descriptions (PDF, 4 pages).    

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Experiences for Youth

Click to Enlarge The current economic climate has made securing and sustaining a job difficult for all Americans, including youth. Certain populations of youth—including those who are or have been involved in the foster care system or the juvenile justice system, runaway or homeless youth, youth who have dropped out …

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Summer and Youth Employment Resources

Download the resource list (PDF, 4 pages). Online Communities & Resources Sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor, WorkforceGPS provides workforce professionals, educators, and business leaders curated communities of interest, useful training resources, promising practices, and evidenced-based research. Summer Jobs Community of Practice provides …

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Qualifications and Attributes Critical to Employers

What are the key competencies and foundational skills for successful workers? Many skills are necessary for individuals to be successful workers, including academic knowledge, technical expertise, and general, cross-cutting abilities (often called employability skills, soft skills, workforce readiness skills, or career readiness skills) that are necessary for success in all …

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Connection to Education

Data suggest a close link between educational attainment and employment outcomes. Table 1 illustrates the relationship among level of education attained, unemployment rate, and median weekly earnings. Higher education does not relate just to higher earnings. The Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University projects that as of …

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Career Exploration & Skill Development

Finding a job can be a challenge for youth. They must determine what careers are available, what their interests are, and what skills they have or need to develop. Numerous resources are available to help youth get a sense of their interest and skills as well as gain employment experience …

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Federal Transition Programs

Opportunities to Explore Careers in the Civil Service Federal agencies provide youth with a variety of opportunities to explore careers in the federal government and develop and learn skills necessary for employment through the Pathways Programs. Students can follow one of three paths depending on where they are in their …

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Considerations for Youth With Disabilities

Although efforts have been taken to help improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, research continues to suggest that youth with disabilities are less likely than their nondisabled peers to graduate from high school, attend and complete four-year colleges and universities, and be employed.1 Guideposts for Transitions Through an extensive …

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Rules & Regulations

Although federal law does not mandate work permits for youth, child labor rules limit how many hours a youth can work, when a youth can work, and in which jobs a youth can work. The rules vary depending on the youth’s age.1 States also have different rules and regulations.2 Click …

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Health & Safety

The rates of injury for young workers are high. The rate of treatment in an emergency department for occupational injuries is about twice as high for youth workers as it is for those over 25 years of age,1 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for …

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Expectant and Parenting Young Families

In 2016, nearly 210,000 babies were born to women between ages 15 and 19. This represented an eight percent decrease in birth rates for this age group from 2015.1 The needs and wellbeing of expectant and parenting young people are an ongoing priority for local and federal programming and service …

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Introduction

In 2016, nearly 210,000 babies were born to women between ages 15 and 19. This represented an eight percent decrease in birth rates for this age group from 2015.1 The needs and wellbeing of expectant and parenting young people are an ongoing priority for local and federal programming and service …

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Health Care and Health Education

Some of the main goals for improving the health of expectant and parenting young families include providing prenatal care, ensuring adequate nutrition, providing breastfeeding education, and addressing mental health and substance use issues.1 Breastfeeding Breastfeeding education for expectant and parenting young families is another very important topic in health education …

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Education and Employment

The main educational issue that needs to be addressed for expectant and parenting young families is school completion. Teen births are strongly linked to dropping out of high school.1 Only about half of teen mothers attain their high school diploma by the time they are 22 years old, compared to …

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Healthy Relationships and Co-Parenting

The benefits of healthy relationships for expectant and parenting young families are multifaceted. Healthy relationship skills can improve communications among teen mothers and fathers and their family members and with each other. Whether they are in a romantic relationship or co-parents who are working together to raise their child, a …

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Special Populations

Special populations of expectant and parenting young families have unique needs that can affect how they should receive services. The following special populations are more likely to be underserved and vulnerable to negative health and well-being outcomes for themselves and their child. The services provided to these expectant and parenting …

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Federal Efforts

There are a number of current federal efforts available to support expectant and parenting young families. The following reviews the currently available programming and approaches offered through federal agencies: Assistance The Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Program, administered by the Office of Adolescent Health, has the aim of improving the health, educational, …

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Family Engagement

Meaningful Family Engagement Family engagement is essential in promoting healthy physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, and academic achievement of children and youth from pre-K to high school. Research shows that when families are meaningfully and continuously engaged in their children’s learning and development, they can positively impact their child’s health, …

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Family Engagement

Meaningful Family Engagement Family engagement is essential in promoting healthy physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, and academic achievement of children and youth from pre-K to high school. Research shows that when families are meaningfully and continuously engaged in their children’s learning and development, they can positively impact their child’s health, …

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Service Level: Engaging Families as Partners in Decision-Making

Description of Family Engagement at the Service Level Family engagement is essential in promoting positive child and youth outcomes in education, mental health, health, child welfare, and juvenile justice. These key child and youth serving systems are incorporating practices, policies and processes within their agencies to strengthen and implement meaningful …

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System Level: Engaging Families as Partners in System Improvement

Description of Family Engagement and Collaboration at the System Level Family engagement is most likely to gain traction at the system level when top leadership values and promotes family partnership, and develops policies to support family engagement as a core strategy that’s essential to the organization’s mission and goals. Family …

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Impact of Family Engagement

The Importance of Research on Family Engagement Research has shown that meaningful family engagement positively impacts youth outcomes across various domains. Parental involvement in education has been extensively studied for decades with less attention paid to the degree of involvement in other systems. More recently, studies have focused on the …

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Components

Individual Level Components At the individual level, youth-serving personnel can promote family and community engagement across six key dimensions:1, 2 Parenting: Build families’ knowledge and leadership to understand positive youth development and to provide home environments that support their children’s health, social, and academic success at every age. Communication: Communicate …

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Policies

For youth-serving organizations — including schools and school districts — to effectively support family and community engagement, the support of federal, state, tribal, and local policymakers is needed.1 Create infrastructure for leadership: Ensure the appropriate systems are in place to develop, implement, and coordinate the key components of family and …

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Strategies

Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships The U.S. Department of Education released Partners in Education: A Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships (PDF, 32 pages) for schools and their surrounding communities to serve as a model to build the kind of community engagement that will make schools the center of …

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Special Populations

youth.gov strives to identify resources that families and agencies can use to build and strengthen family engagement in schools and communities. The resources featured below are organized according to key topics of special interest. Youth Experiencing Homelessness Commentary: A Provider Perspective on Supporting Parents Who Are Homeless This article provides …

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Financial Capability & Literacy

Financial capability and literacy is “the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.”1 This set of skills can help youth achieve financial well-being, which happens when they can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, feel secure in their financial future, and are capable of …

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Financial Capability & Literacy

Financial capability and literacy is “the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.”1 This set of skills can help youth achieve financial well-being, which happens when they can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, feel secure in their financial future, and are capable of …

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Facts About Youth Financial Knowledge & Capability

Teaching financial capability is important because youth are increasingly facing higher levels of debt: The average debt of students when they graduated from college rose from $18,550 (in 2004) to $28,950 (in 2014), an increase of 56 percent.1 From 2004 to 2009, the median credit card debt among college students …

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Financing Higher Education

Postsecondary education is important for future economic stability for the individual and the nation. Unfortunately, the high cost to attend a two- or four-year institution of higher education can keep lower and middle-income students from achieving an academic degree. A student must make a number of financial decisions to make …

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Youth Employment Programs

Compared with youth in higher income households, youth from lower income households more often face barriers to career training, and more often have limited resources and access to financial education and related services. Therefore, these youth may be less able to achieve financial well-being. Youth employment programs offer opportunities to …

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Additional Resources

Avoiding Overdraft Fees Customers have a choice when their banking accounts become overdrawn. This website from the FDIC provides tools to support positive banking habits. Building Blocks to Help Youth Achieve Financial Capability The report presents a new evidence-based developmental model for supporting financial capability and provides strategies for supporting …

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Gang Involvement Prevention

Preventing youth involvement in gangs is an important issue. Compared to non-gang members, gang members commit a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and offenses across the country. Gangs and gang involvement result in short- and long-term negative outcomes for gang-involved youth, their friends and families, and the surrounding communities.1 Gangs …

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Gang Involvement Prevention

Preventing youth involvement in gangs is an important issue. Compared to non-gang members, gang members commit a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and offenses across the country. Gangs and gang involvement result in short- and long-term negative outcomes for gang-involved youth, their friends and families, and the surrounding communities.1 Gangs …

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Federal Data

Tracking gang statistics and trends can help to assess the demographics of gangs in the U.S., including age range, prevalence, location, and types of crime associated with gangs. This information can help to target prevention initiatives and interventions, and determine youth at risk for gang involvement. Gang Activity and Violence …

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Risk & Protective Factors

The risk and protective factors of youth gang involvement can span multiple domains from the individual level (aggressiveness) to the peer (delinquent siblings), school (academic failure), and community levels (poverty). Risk factors encourage or increase the likelihood of youth participating in gangs; whereas a protective factor acts as a buffer …

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Adverse Effects

Youth gang involvement impacts the health and welfare of the individual, as well as that of his or her family, peers, and community. Youth Involved in Gangs The numerous consequences stemming from gang involvement can have varying degrees of short and long-term negative outcomes. Youth who become involved in gangs …

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Girls, Juvenile Delinquency, & Gangs

While females make up a little less than ten percent of the overall gang population, research suggests that girls may account for between one-fourth and one-half of the gang members in younger adolescent gangs.1  Overall, female gang members appear to be more heavily represented in gangs located outside of large …

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Prevention Efforts

The prevention efforts targeted at limiting youth involvement in gangs is integral to promoting optimal individual and community well-being, specifically in those areas that are susceptible to gang activity. In recent years there has been an emphasis placed on evaluating gang prevention programs to discern effective approaches and providing a …

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Homelessness and Runaway

Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.1 The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million …

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Homelessness and Runaway

Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.1 The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million …

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Federal Definitions

Homelessness is defined in a number of different ways. Below are federal definitions and key terms that are used when talking about runaway and homelessness youth. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) defines homeless youth as individuals who are “not more than 21 years of …

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Rates

Due to variations in the definition, timeframe, and age range used, the number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies significantly. Estimates suggest that between 500,000 and 2.8 million youth are homeless within the United States each year.1 Homeless Unaccompanied Youth A 2004 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report …

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Family Conflict and Violence

Homeless and runaway youth consistently identify family conflict as the primary reason for homelessness and they experience more conflict at home than their peers.1 These youth experience higher rates of serious violence,2 child abuse, and neglect.3 Research suggests that it is longstanding issues of conflict, not one issue that arises …

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LGBT

Approximately 1.6 million U.S. youth (about seven percent of all youth) between the ages 12 and 17 ran away from home and experienced at least one night of homelessness in 2002.1 Although studies on the percentage of homeless youth who are LGBT vary, analyses suggest that approximately 20 to 40 …

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Education

In the 2009-2010 school year, 939,903 youth in public schools were homeless as defined by the Department of Education. This was a 41 percent increase from the 2006-2007 school year. The most often reported living situation for homeless youth was sharing a house due to the loss of housing because …

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Child Welfare

Children who have experiences with the child welfare system are prone to running away and experiencing homelessness.1 This may result from high rates of homeless youth being placed in substitute care, such as foster care,2 and youth in the foster care system running away to avoid foster care, escape a …

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Juvenile Justice

Runaway and homeless youth have higher rates of involvement with the juvenile justice system1 including higher rates of misdemeanor charges and gang affiliation.2 According to a study of runaway and homeless youth in the Midwest, over half had been arrested at least one time since they first ran away, with …

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Behavioral Health

Youth who run away or experience homelessness have higher rates of alcohol and drug use than their peers. These differences are especially apparent for illicit drug use1 and are higher for youth on the street compared to those in shelters.2 According to the 2003 FYSB data, 23.5 percent of homeless …

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Physical & Reproductive Health

Runaway and homeless youth experience negative physical and reproductive health consequences as a result of their experiences and face a range of barriers in accessing health care. As a result, homeless youth are less likely to have access to medical care.1 Health Homeless youth face higher rates of chronic health …

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Resources for Young Parents & Children Experiencing Homelessness

Young parents and their children make up a significant portion of families experiencing homelessness. About 25 percent of youth served in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Runaway and Homeless Youth Transitional Living Programs are pregnant/parenting,1 and about 27 percent of families in emergency shelters in the U.S. …

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Federal Programs

The 2010 Opening Doors Strategic Plan to end homelessness developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness suggests that there are six areas that are consistently identified as necessary to address and prevent youth homelessness. These include the following: Individualized goal-based service planning Ongoing support services connected to mainstream …

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Interagency Efforts

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is a collaborative partnership between federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector with a goal of coordinating efforts to reduce and end homelessness. History of the Council Then known as the Interagency Council on the Homeless, USICH was authorized …

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Federal Data Sources

National Extranet Optimized Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (NEO-RHYMIS) NEO-RHYMIS, maintained by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), provides a revised version of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS). New services include data reporting by its grantee agencies. NEO-RHYMIS provides the user community and …

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Juvenile Justice

Youth under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act are typically processed through a juvenile justice system1. While similar to that of the adult criminal justice system in many ways—processes include arrest, detainment, petitions, hearings, adjudications, dispositions, placement, probation, and reentry—the juvenile justice …

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Juvenile Justice

Youth under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act are typically processed through a juvenile justice system1. While similar to that of the adult criminal justice system in many ways—processes include arrest, detainment, petitions, hearings, adjudications, dispositions, placement, probation, and reentry—the juvenile justice …

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Youth Involved with the Juvenile Justice System

Some children and youth become involved with the juvenile justice system because they are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act. Other youth come into contact with the system for status offenses—actions that are illegal only because of a youth’s age—such as truancy, underage drinking, and running away from …

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Risk & Protective Factors

What are Risk and Protective Factors? A risk factor is anything that increases the probability that a person will suffer harm. A protective factor is something that decreases the potential harmful effect of a risk factor.1 In the context of youth involved or at risk of involvement with the juvenile …

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Connections with Youth in the Child Welfare System

Youth involved in the Child Welfare System In general, youth involved in the child welfare system, like their peers in the juvenile justice system, are disproportionately minority; live at or below the poverty line; have strained, limited, or no family connections; usually have mental health needs; and have negative educational …

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Prevention & Early Intervention

Typically, juvenile delinquency follows a trajectory similar to that of normal adolescent development. In other words, children and youth tend to follow a path toward delinquent and criminal behavior rather than engaging randomly.1Research has shown that there are two types of delinquents, those in whom the onset of severe antisocial …

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Points of Intervention

There are many steps community partners, families, and others can take to positively impact youth both before and after they have come into contact with the juvenile justice system. There are distinct points in the juvenile justice process at which communities and agencies can intervene in the lives of youth …

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Reentry

Young people leaving juvenile justice residential placement face many concerns as they reenter the community, home, and school/work force. Reentry refers to those activities and tasks that prepare youth placed out-of-home for reentry into their families and communities.1 Unfortunately, many youth return to unstable home settings, struggle to remain in …

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Diversion Programs

While it is recognized that some youth commit serious offenses and may need to be confined within a secure setting, research has shown that many youth in the juvenile justice system are there for relatively minor offenses, have significant mental health issues, and end up in out-of-home placement or on …

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Federal- & State-Level Data

There are several major sources for juvenile justice data at the federal- and state-level. Federally Funded Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Statistical Briefing Book This site provides comprehensive national datasets for a wide range of juvenile justice-related topics and subtopics as well as data analysis tools, frequently-asked …

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LGBT

Sexual orientation and gender are important aspects of a young person’s identity. Understanding and expressing sexual orientation and gender and developing related identities are typical development tasks that vary across children and youth. For example, some youth may be unsure of their sexual orientation, whereas others have been clear about …

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LGBT

Sexual orientation and gender are important aspects of a young person’s identity. Understanding and expressing sexual orientation and gender and developing related identities are typical development tasks that vary across children and youth. For example, some youth may be unsure of their sexual orientation, whereas others have been clear about …

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Key Terms & Concepts

Currently, there is no universally accepted acronym for the community or communities of youth who are not heterosexual and express their gender in diverse ways. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth each represent distinct populations with particular and sometimes unique experiences.1 This topic page uses “LGBT” as an umbrella …

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Behavioral Health

“Behavioral health” is an umbrella term that includes issues and services related to both mental health and substance use. This section synthesizes information relevant to these two areas. Mental Health and Suicide As the Institute of Medicine has noted, LGBT youth are typically well adjusted and mentally healthy.1 However, they …

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Child Welfare

Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) enter the child welfare system for reasons similar to those of other children and youth—that is, their birth families cannot provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home. In some cases, families reject, neglect, or abuse young people when they …

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Families

Family acceptance and support are significant factors that promote well-being and protection from risks for all youth, including LGBT youth.1 The meaning of family varies by personal, cultural, and other factors and can include individuals who are not biologically or legally related to a youth (i.e., families of choice).2 Family …

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Homelessness & Housing

Homelessness is a devastating experience that has a significant negative impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, well-being, functioning, human development, and life trajectory—and LGBT runaway and homeless youth are at high risk for a number of negative experiences and outcomes.1 Recent studies, as well as anecdotal evidence from …

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Juvenile Justice

LGBT youth represent at least 13 percent of the total detained population in the juvenile justice system.1 Some LGBT youth become involved in the system for violating laws for reasons unrelated to their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Others may become involved through pathways that are associated with their sexual …

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Schools

Some LGBT youth experience supportive, welcoming school environments where they are physically and emotionally safe and their LGBT identity is respected, or even embraced. Others may experience unwelcoming, unsafe, and unsupportive conditions in schools. Research has found that LGBT youth are more likely to experience stress and fear in school …

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Transitioning to Adulthood

Although many youth experience a smooth transition into adulthood and the workforce, some encounter challenges in finding or maintaining employment. Because LGBT youth may experience less supportive school environments than their non-LGBT peers, they may struggle in school and, in turn, have higher school dropout rates or have lower aspirations …

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Events Celebrating LGBT Identity, Expression, & Well-Being

There are many opportunities each year to learn more about and celebrate LGBT diversity. Some of these events are hosted by particular organizations, such as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), while others are days, weeks and months recognized by the LGBT community at large. The following is …

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Mental Health

It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time …

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Mental Health

It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time …

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Key Terms

Historically, President John F. Kennedy first brought attention to mental illness and its prevention in the 1960’s.1 Later, President Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Commission on Mental Health in 1977 and the formulation of the National Plan for the Chronically Mentally Ill in 1980 were the first formal attempts by the federal …

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Developmental Competencies & Resilience

Mental health is not just the absence of a disease or mental health disorder, it is much more. As youth grow and mature, they achieve mental and emotional milestones. This process can be described as achieving developmental competence, or the ability to navigate social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral tasks at …

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Prevalence

Click to Enlarge Most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, yet one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder that is associated with severe role impairment and/or distress (11.2 percent with mood disorders, 8.3 percent with anxiety disorders, and 9.6 …

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Risk & Protective Factors

As youth grow and reach their developmental competencies, there are contextual variables that promote or hinder the process. These are frequently referred to as protective and risk factors. The presence or absence and various combinations of protective and risk factors contribute to the mental health of youth. Identifying protective and …

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Warning Signs

If a youth has a constellation of risk factors, it is important to seek assistance for the young person and his or her family. If a family member or friend is concerned, discussing the issue with another family member, friend, spiritual counselor, family pediatrician, or primary doctor could be helpful. …

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Co-occurring Disorders

Estimated rates of co-occurring mental illness among adolescents with substance use disorders range from 60 to 75 percent.1 Among adolescents with no prior substance use, the rates of first-time use of drugs and alcohol in the previous year are higher in those who have had a major depressive episode than in …

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Specific Disorders

As defined in the key terms section, a mental disorder is a clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and is associated with present distress (e.g., a painful symptom), disability (i.e., impairment in one or more important areas of functioning), or with a significantly increased …

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Effects

Youth with mental health disorders often experience difficulties in a variety of settings including within their own families at home, in school, and in the community. Families Frequently, because of their behavior, youth with mental health disorders pose challenges to parents and siblings and are sometimes singled out and blamed …

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Attitudes & Discrimination

Discrimination against youth with mental health challenges begins early and increases over time, causing attitudes to become ingrained.1 Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that people with mental illnesses are not to blame for their conditions (84 percent), only about 57.3 percent believe that people are …

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Promotion & Prevention

The terms mental health promotion and prevention have often been confused. Promotion is defined as intervening to optimize positive mental health by addressing determinants of positive mental health before a specific mental health problem has been identified, with the ultimate goal of improving the positive mental health of the population. …

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Trauma Informed Approaches

On Tuesday May 21, 2013, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs hosted a webinar, Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach for Youth Across Service Sectors. The webinar featured three content experts nationally known in their field, as well as two youth presenters who spoke about their own lived experience and the …

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Treatment Options

In the United States, 75 to 80 percent of children and youth in need of mental health services do not receive them.1 This can be for a variety of reasons, including discrimination and negative attitudes attached to seeking help for mental health issues, cultural beliefs and practices, access to services/supports, …

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School-Based Supports

Schools Are a Natural Setting to Support Mental Health School-based mental health is becoming a vital part of student support systems. According to the most recent data in 2005, over one-third of school districts used school or district staff to provide mental health services, and over one-fourth used outside agencies …

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Mentoring

Positive youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models (Jekielek, Moore, & Hair, 2002). Today, 8.5 million youth continue to lack supportive, sustained relationships with caring adults (Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). Mentoring—which matches youth or …

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Mentoring

Positive youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models (Jekielek, Moore, & Hair, 2002). Today, 8.5 million youth continue to lack supportive, sustained relationships with caring adults (Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). Mentoring—which matches youth or …

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Practice

Most mentoring occurs without the support of a formal program; however, the number of mentoring programs, as well as the number of adults and youth participating in formal mentoring relationships has grown substantially in recent years (MENTOR, 2006; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009). To date, there are more …

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Adult Mentor Characteristics

While any adult can act as a youth mentor, a 2005 national survey found some differences between adults who participated in youth mentoring and those who did not (MENTOR, 2006). Age Young adults ages 18 to 24 and middle-aged adults ages 35 to 54 had the highest rates for mentoring …

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Relationship Types

Roles of Mentors The roles of mentors vary greatly depending on the type, focus, structure, and participants. Mentors’ roles may also differ over the course of the relationship. These roles may include acting as a role model, a supporter or cheerleader, a policy enforcer, an advocate, and/or a friend. Formal …

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Relationship Characteristics

Because of the individualized level of the mentor-mentee relationship, two youth participating in the same program may have drastically different experiences (Deutsch & Spencer, 2009). While individual relationships differ depending on the needs of the mentee, research has identified key characteristics of successful mentoring relationships including enduring relationships between mentor …

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Benefits for Young People

Mentoring is often one component of a program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees. Benefits for youth: Increased …

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Challenges & Lessons Learned

Research suggests that many formal mentoring relationships last less than a few months (Rhodes, 2002), and for the most at-risk youth, that time is even less (Grossman & Rhodes, 2002). Mentoring can be a positive experience for both mentors and mentees, but it can also be challenging; often those challenges …

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Successful Relationships & Programs

Research focused on mentoring and mentoring programs is still relatively new (DuBois, Doolittle, Yates, Silverthorn, & Tebes, 2006) and findings seem to suggest that many factors influence the success of the mentoring program and the mentor-mentee relationship. Cavell et al. (2009) state that “Good intentions and a ready corps of …

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Starting a Program

Developing a mentoring program is a great way to get involved and make a valuable contribution in your community. Taking time to plan carefully before the program begins can eliminate a lot of barriers during the implementation process. Assess the needs and resources available in the community and see if …

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Federal Support

Established in January 2014, the National Mentoring Resource Center is a resource for mentoring tools, program and training materials, as well as access to no-cost training and technical assistance. The goal of the National Mentoring Resource Center is to improve the quality and effectiveness of mentoring across the country by …

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Opportunity Youth

Opportunity youth are young people who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old and are disconnected from school and work. This developmental time period, also referred to as emerging adulthood,[1] has great potential for individual growth through exploring independence and life opportunities. It is a critical window …

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Opportunity Youth

Opportunity youth are young people who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old and are disconnected from school and work. This developmental time period, also referred to as emerging adulthood,[1] has great potential for individual growth through exploring independence and life opportunities. It is a critical window …

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Prevalence

This section on prevalence reviews data from before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also provide up-to-date data related to opportunity youth as it becomes available. Find information on current youth employment data during the pandemic. It is important to understand who has been considered at risk of …

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Risk and Protective Factors

The previous section on the prevalence of opportunity youth highlighted that certain groups of youth and young adults face a greater risk of becoming disconnected from work and school. This section explores why some groups are more vulnerable than others and more likely to become disconnected (risk factors), while also …

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Education

For all individuals, education is an important aspect to being able to gain and maintain employment and to being able to support oneself, and potentially one’s family. Opportunity youth are much less likely to earn a high school or college diploma than their connected peers.[1] Disconnected youth are nine times …

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Employment

A significant way that opportunity youth can be engaged in their communities is through the workforce. Engagement in the workforce, including apprenticeships, not only benefits the youth individually but also their community. Youth disconnect from the workforce is a complex issue, however there are several practical strategies that can be …

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Engaging Opportunity Youth as Leaders

Engaging opportunity youth and former opportunity youth as leaders in research and programming provides many benefits. First, this type of engagement can connect opportunity youth with more experience in developing their leadership skills, while also making positive connections with adults. Second, involving opportunity youth as leaders can help inform development …

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Positive Youth Development

Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development Based on the literature, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, has created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD): PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach …

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Positive Youth Development

Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development Based on the literature, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, has created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD): PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach …

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Key Principles

PYD exists in dynamic environments that build upon the strengths of and recognize risk behaviors in adolescents. These environments include systems of support, such as peer or social networks, school, family, and community. The contexts are all a part of an ecological framework that PYD programs incorporate into their programming …

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Integrating

PYD can be integrated into any youth development program. First and foremost, all youth-serving organizations should work toward assuring that young people have the chance to engage in positive relationships and interactions that can help them develop into healthy and productive adults. PYD strategies also include providing youth with access …

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Culture Influences

Youth in the United States represent many different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. The issues faced by these youth are also diverse. PYD can assist and benefit the youth service providers and public health programming by identifying diverse circumstances to better understand the needs of youth. Examples of these issues include …

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Involving Youth

Youth involvement can benefit organizations and their programs as well as the youth themselves. Programs that are developed in partnership with youth are more likely to be effective at engaging the population and, therefore, to have a greater impact. Involving youth as partners in making decisions that affect them increases …

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Assessing Youth Involvement & Engagement

Involving youth and encouraging their participation is important in promoting positive youth development. Youth need to be fully engaged in programs as active participants. Their participation should be sustained, and they should able to translate the skills and experiences gained within the program to their greater communities. Youth Involvement and …

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Effectiveness

PYD programs engage young people in intentional, productive, and constructive ways while recognizing and enhancing their strengths. These programs promote positive outcomes by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and giving the support that is needed to develop young people’s assets and prevent risky behaviors. Research indicates that young people who …

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Research Agenda

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (Working Group) recognizes the importance of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and works to ensure that current research-based content is included on youth.gov and to identify resources that support federal efforts in promoting positive youth development and youth engagement. The Working Group created a …

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Pregnancy Prevention

Teen pregnancy prevention is a national priority. Despite declines in teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S., the national teen pregnancy rate continues to be higher than the rates in other Western industrialized nations.1 Racial and ethnic disparities remain, with higher rates of teen pregnancy for Hispanic and non-Hispanic …

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Pregnancy Prevention

Teen pregnancy prevention is a national priority. Despite declines in teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S., the national teen pregnancy rate continues to be higher than the rates in other Western industrialized nations.1 Racial and ethnic disparities remain, with higher rates of teen pregnancy for Hispanic and non-Hispanic …

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Risk and Protective Factors

Teen pregnancy can result in a number of negative consequences. It is necessary to understand the associated risk and protective factors in order to appropriately implement prevention efforts. Risk factors encourage, or increase, behaviors that increase the likelihood of teen pregnancy, while protective factors decrease these behaviors. These factors can …

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Adverse Effects

The high social and economic costs of teen pregnancy and child­bearing can have short- and long-term negative consequences for teen parents, their children, and their community. Through recent research, it has been recognized that pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on educational outcomes of teen parents. By age 22, …

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Federal Data Sources

Teen pregnancy rates as of 2010 and the percentage of never-married teens who were sexually experienced as of 2006-2010 were at historic lows in the United States.1 The number of teens giving birth in 2010 was the lowest rate since 1946 and the percentage of never-married teens who were sexually …

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Preparedness & Recovery

Disasters are often unpredictable and can happen at any time and to anyone. They may be natural, man-made, or both. Disasters are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community,1 and  may include floods, hurricanes, …

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Preparedness & Recovery

Disasters are often unpredictable and can happen at any time and to anyone. They may be natural, man-made, or both. Disasters are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community,1 and  may include floods, hurricanes, …

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Educating Youth

Schools and youth-serving programs can provide key venues for youth to learn about disaster preparedness and response. Research suggests that trainings focused on disaster preparedness can result in behavior changes, and that youth who are prepared are more confident and feel empowered during an actual emergency.1 Further, youth involved in …

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Preparation: Family

Being educated about disasters and how they affect youth and adults, developing a plan, practicing the implementation of the plan in authentic and organized ways, and ensuring you have the supplies to support your family in the event of an emergency is a crucial part of disaster preparedness for families. …

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Preparation: Schools & Programs

Many youth spend a significant amount of time outside their homes. They spend their days at schools, in community programs, and at recreational facilities, which are responsible for their temporary care until they are reunited with their families. Schools and programs also often provide additional services for youth, including health …

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Recovery & Reunification

Recovering from a disaster takes time and is a gradual process. The National Disaster Recovery Framework (PDF, 116) provides nationwide guidance and supports States, Tribes, and local jurisdictions with recovery efforts through a flexible structure that encourages a unified and collaborative approach. Key aspects of recovery efforts for youth include …

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Youth Roles

By involving youth in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, youth-serving agencies can help to not only increase youths’ awareness of particular hazards, but can also enhance the chance that they openly discuss how to adequately protect their families and loved ones and understand how to seek help should their community …

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FEMA Youth Preparedness Tools

Youth Preparedness Fact Sheet This one-page fact sheet provides an overview of the importance of youth preparedness, as well as information about how FEMA and other organizations support it. Youth Preparedness: Implementing a Community-Based Program This document provides information about high-level steps for implementing a youth preparedness program. Catalogue of …

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School Climate

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. School climate refers to the quality and types of …

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School Climate

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. School climate refers to the quality and types of …

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Components

Although definitions of school climate vary, a comprehensive Safe Supportive Schools measurement model developed by the U.S. Department of Education, based on listening sessions and consultation with researchers and practitioners, reflects the most common concepts. This model includes three main components of school climate: Engagement, Safety, and Environment. The figure …

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Measurement

Understanding and addressing school climate can be facilitated by collecting and reviewing survey and incident data. Schools can then use these data to see which aspects of school climate need to be addressed and to select and implement evidence-based intervention practices and programs. This data-driven approach can promote positive outcomes …

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Impact

Many schools across the country work to (a) ensure that they promote a positive school climate in order to foster the success and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and staff and (b) address situations that exacerbate harmful behavior and diminish achievement. Neglecting to purposefully address issues related to school climate …

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Improvement

Working to improve school climate is challenging and takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes building supportive and safe environments and policies and working to support student and adult social, emotional, and behavioral capacity to create a safe, engaging, and supportive school community.1 For example, Safe and Supportive Schools grantees, which …

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Implications for Discipline

In creating positive school climates for all students, educators may face the challenging task of reconciling various priorities.  On one hand, schools must create safe environments that are free of bullying, harassment, violence, threats, and disruptive behaviors that interrupt learning.  When students engage in threatening and disruptive behaviors, schools must …

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Substance Use/Misuse

Substance abuse and problematic patterns of substance use among youth can lead to problems at school, cause or aggravate physical and mental health-related issues, promote poor peer relationships, cause motor-vehicle accidents, and place stress on the family. They can also develop into lifelong issues such as substance dependence, chronic health problems, …

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Substance Use/Misuse

Substance abuse and problematic patterns of substance use among youth can lead to problems at school, cause or aggravate physical and mental health-related issues, promote poor peer relationships, cause motor-vehicle accidents, and place stress on the family. They can also develop into lifelong issues such as substance dependence, chronic health problems, …

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Prevalence of Use, Abuse, & Dependence

Evaluating the prevalence rates of substance use, abuse, and dependence is important because these rates document patterns of problems among youth. Alcohol Alcohol use among youth is more widespread than use of tobacco or illicit drugs. While alcohol use has been gradually declining among youth since the 1980s, and reached …

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Co-occurring Disorders

Estimated rates of co-occurring mental illness among adolescents with substance use disorders range from 60 to 75 percent.1 Among adolescents with no prior substance use, the rates of first-time use of drugs and alcohol in the previous year are higher in those who have had a major depressive episode than in …

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Risk & Protective Factors

Research shows that the risk for substance abuse and other adverse behaviors increases as the number of risk factors increases, and that protective factors may reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use that can lead to substance abuse. This interactive effect of risk and protective factors has substantial …

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Warning Signs

Many youth may show behaviors in adolescence that are indicative of substance abuse, but can also be considered normal behaviors while growing up. It is important to take notice if there are several signs happening at the same time, if they occur suddenly, and if the behaviors are extreme. The …

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Screening & Assessment

Although prevalence rates of certain substances have been steady or in decline, others are on the rise. The normalization of substance abuse among youth highlights the importance of screening and assessment (a more in-depth look at the issues) in order to prevent future substance dependencies. Screening and assessment procedures are …

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Prevention

Elements of Effective Prevention Programs There is a multitude of effective substance abuse prevention interventions that may have different areas of focus and can be implemented in a variety of settings. Interventions can involve the family, school, and community and may provide substance abuse prevention for an individual or a …

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Treatment

Elements of Effective Treatment Programs Evidence suggests that successful early intervention and treatment carries significant benefits for individuals and society. Despite the fact that there is no single treatment approach that works for everyone, standard treatments have been shown to produce significant decreases in substance abuse and in substance-related problems.1 …

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Federal Resources

Get Smart About Drugs The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hosts the Get Smart About Drugs website for parents, educators, and caregivers. The website features news, headlines, trending topics, and videos about youth and drugs. Users can also search the database for specific drug information. Publications and resources are available in …

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Federal Data

Monitoring the Future This survey is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are surveyed. The survey has been funded with grants from the National Institute …

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin (an illegal substance) and prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin), and morphine, which are legal when prescribed by a licensed health care provider. Opioid misuse occurs when a person uses heroin or misuses prescription pain relievers. …

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Suicide Prevention

Developmentally, the years between childhood and adulthood represent a critical period of transition and significant cognitive, mental, emotional, and social change. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, navigating new milestones in preparation for adult roles involving education, employment, relationships, and living circumstances can be difficult. These transitions …

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Suicide Prevention

Developmentally, the years between childhood and adulthood represent a critical period of transition and significant cognitive, mental, emotional, and social change. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, navigating new milestones in preparation for adult roles involving education, employment, relationships, and living circumstances can be difficult. These transitions …

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Preventing Youth Suicide

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting, significant effects on youth, families, peers, and communities. The causes of suicide among youth are complex and involve many factors. Reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors and resilience is critical.1 Knowing the warning signs is also critical. Warning …

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After an Attempt – Youth

The day after a youth’s suicide attempt may feel like the hardest day of their life, which creates stress in addition to the factors leading to the attempt. The youth has seriously thought about or attempted to end their life. The youth may be exhausted, experience extreme fatigue, and feel …

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After an Attempt – Community

Suicidal thoughts and actions by a youth generate conflicting feelings among family members, friends, and other members of a school and the groups and communities of which the youth is a member. After a suicide attempt, it is important to take care of the people surrounding the youth in addition …

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Increased Risk Groups

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the nation’s teenagers.1 Approximately one out of every 15 high school students reports attempting suicide each year.2 For some groups of youth—including those who are involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; American Indian/Alaska …

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Trafficking Prevention

Trafficking of youth is a form of modern slavery within the United States. It is a crime involving the exploitation of U.S. citizen/resident or noncitizen youth for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, regardless of whether the trafficker …

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Trafficking Prevention

Trafficking of youth is a form of modern slavery within the United States. It is a crime involving the exploitation of U.S. citizen/resident or noncitizen youth for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, regardless of whether the trafficker …

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Human Trafficking: The Problem

Human trafficking happens in almost every country around the world, including the United States. Traffickers represent every social, ethnic, and racial group. Various organizational types exist in trafficking, including large nationwide gangs and criminal organizations, local street and motorcycle gangs, and individuals with no affiliation with any one group or …

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How do I Identify a Victim?

Members of the youth-serving community and those who regularly interact with young people are in a unique position to recognize children who may be victims of human trafficking or on the path to becoming victimized. No comprehensive list of all the signs of human trafficking exists, and children who exhibit …

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How Do I Report a Suspected Incidence of Human Trafficking?

To report an immediate emergency Call 911 or contact your local police department or emergency access number. To report suspected trafficking crimes, get help, or learn more about human trafficking from a nongovernmental organization Call the toll-free (24/7) National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888 (1-888-373-7888). Text HELP or INFO …

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Federal Efforts

Agencies in the federal government are aligned in efforts to prevent human trafficking, to protect victims and provide them health and human services, and to prosecute offenders and bring traffickers to justice. Through collaboration and partnerships, agencies have developed tools, trainings, and resources to raise awareness about the problem and …

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Sexual Exploitation & Sex Trafficking of Minors

According to a recently released Institute of Medicine (IOC) and National Research Council (NRC) report, Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States, sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, “commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States …

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Transition & Aging Out

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports a number of efforts to build the skills and resources of youth aged 16-24. Whether they are called “youth in transition,” “transition age youth,” “youth aging out” or other terms, youth in this age group experience a number of challenges on their …

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Transition & Aging Out

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports a number of efforts to build the skills and resources of youth aged 16-24. Whether they are called “youth in transition,” “transition age youth,” “youth aging out” or other terms, youth in this age group experience a number of challenges on their …

Read More »

Transition & Aging Out Overview

An estimated 29,500 youth were emancipated from foster care in FY 2008 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). Approximately 100,000 youth are released from secure and residential facilities each year (Altschuler, Strangler, Berkley & Burton, 2009). Approximately 53,000-103,000 of the homeless population on a single day are between …

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Basic Needs, Safety, & Welfare

For some youth, the transition to adulthood presents a number of challenges in meeting their basic needs. They may not be able to find employment that offers health benefits, no longer be included in their parents’ insurance, or have become too old to qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP. Finding safe, …

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Education, Employment, & the Military

Moving toward independence presents youth aged 16 to 24 with a number of opportunities — and challenges. The stakes are high for this age group; 16- to 24-year-olds are forging pathways to postsecondary education, training, and employment, and for youth with additional challenges, these transitions are even more difficult. Education …

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Community Engagement

All youth can benefit from positive interactions with adults and peers. The following section describes the investments federal agencies are making for youth aged 16 to 24 in areas such as positive youth development, mentoring, youth-adult partnerships, and community service. To find out more about positive youth development, please see …

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Effective Programs

Researchers have identified common characteristics of effective programs for teens (Hall, Israel and Shortt, 2004): Youth feel a sense of independence through participation in the program, including financial independence (wages or stipend). Programs offer job skills, job preparation, job training, and actual employment opportunities. Schools and principals are active partners. …

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Violence Prevention

Youth violence is a significant problem that affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities.1 Youth violence and crime affect a community’s economic health, as well as individuals’ physical and mental health and well-being. Homicide is the third leading cause of death for …

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Violence Prevention

Youth violence is a significant problem that affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities.1 Youth violence and crime affect a community’s economic health, as well as individuals’ physical and mental health and well-being. Homicide is the third leading cause of death for …

Read More »

National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention

The National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (Forum) was a network of communities and federal agencies that worked together from 2010-2016 to share information and build local capacity to prevent and reduce youth violence. The Forum brought together people from diverse professions and perspectives to learn from each other and …

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Federal Data

Thousands of people experience youth violence every day. Youth violence negatively impacts youth in all communities—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. Youth violence is common. 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property in the past year.1 Youth violence kills and injuries. Homicide is the third leading …

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Prevention Strategies

Prevention efforts should aim to reduce factors that place youth at risk for perpetrating violence and promote factors that protect youth at risk for violence. In addition, prevention should address all types of influences on youth violence: individual, relationship, community, and society. Effective prevention strategies are necessary to promote awareness …

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Risk and Protective Factors

No single factor explains why some youth perpetrate or become a victim of violence or why violence is more prevalent in some places than others. Violence results from a complex interplay of a variety of factors. Understanding the range of factors that put youth at risk for violence or protect …

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Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Easy Salsa

This fresh tomato salsa adds flavor to meals and pairs well with whole grain chips for a snack.

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Easy Salsa

This fresh tomato salsa adds flavor to meals and pairs well with whole grain chips for a snack.

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Fried Rice

Make frozen veggies taste great with this easy Fried Rice recipe. Try pairing it with tofu or chicken!

Read More »

Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts Emergency Alert System NOAA Weather Radio When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from …

Read More »

Attacks in Public Places

While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others. What are Mass Attacks? Types of Mass Attacks Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties. Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties. Individuals using homemade bombs to cause …

Read More »

Avalanche

Protect Yourself During an Avalanche After an Avalanche Additional Resources An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain, typically on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes solid like concrete and people are unable to dig out. People caught …

Read More »

Bioterrorism

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses …

Read More »

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Chemical agents can cause death but are difficult to deliver in deadly amounts because they dissipate quickly outdoors and are hard to produce. Before a Chemical Emergency A chemical attack could come …

Read More »

Cybersecurity

Protect Yourself During an Attack After an Attack Additional Resources Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and at the national level. Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to …

Read More »

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years. Before a Drought The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life. Indoor Water Conservation …

Read More »

Earthquakes

Prepare Before Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Additional Resources An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk …

Read More »

Explosions

Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers. There are steps you can take to prepare. Before an Explosion Protect yourself: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Learn what to do in case of …

Read More »

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number …

Read More »

Floods

Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. …

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. Before a Hazardous Materials Incident Many communities …

Read More »

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a …

Read More »

Household Chemical Emergencies

Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. Before a Household Chemical Emergency Only store household chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Hazardous household chemicals may include: Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant) Nail polish and nail polish …

Read More »

Hurricanes

Prepare for Hurricanes Stay Safe During Returning Home Additional Resources Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the …

Read More »

Landslides & Debris Flow

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move …

Read More »

Nuclear Explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs. A nuclear weapon is a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Nuclear devices range from …

Read More »

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could …

Read More »

Pandemic

Prepare for Pandemic Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person. A new …

Read More »

Power Outages

Power Outage Tips During a Power Outage After a Power Outage Associated Content Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas …

Read More »

Radiological Dispersion Device

An RDD combines a conventional explosive device — such as a bomb — with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a …

Read More »

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Know your Risk Understand the type of hazardous …

Read More »

Space Weather

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About …

Read More »

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Prepare for Thunder & Lightning Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create …

Read More »

Tornadoes

Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can: Happen anytime and anywhere. Bring intense winds, over 200 miles …

Read More »

Tsunamis

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet …

Read More »

Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that …

Read More »

Wildfires

Prepare for Wildfires Stay Safe During After a Wildfire Additional Resources Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also communities. Prepare for Wildfires Recognize Warnings and Alerts Have …

Read More »

Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather Stay Safe During Associated Content Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few …

Read More »

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in …

Read More »

All Hazards

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often. Order Free Preparedness Materials Order free preparedness materials from FEMA’s online ordering platform. These materials …

Read More »

Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts Emergency Alert System NOAA Weather Radio When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from …

Read More »

Attacks in Public Places

While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others. What are Mass Attacks? Types of Mass Attacks Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties. Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties. Individuals using homemade bombs to cause …

Read More »

Avalanche

Protect Yourself During an Avalanche After an Avalanche Additional Resources An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain, typically on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes solid like concrete and people are unable to dig out. People caught …

Read More »

Bioterrorism

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses …

Read More »

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Chemical agents can cause death but are difficult to deliver in deadly amounts because they dissipate quickly outdoors and are hard to produce. Before a Chemical Emergency A chemical attack could come …

Read More »

Cybersecurity

Protect Yourself During an Attack After an Attack Additional Resources Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and at the national level. Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to …

Read More »

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years. Before a Drought The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life. Indoor Water Conservation …

Read More »

Earthquakes

Prepare Before Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Additional Resources An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk …

Read More »

Explosions

Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers. There are steps you can take to prepare. Before an Explosion Protect yourself: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Learn what to do in case of …

Read More »

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number …

Read More »

Floods

Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. …

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. Before a Hazardous Materials Incident Many communities …

Read More »

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a …

Read More »

Household Chemical Emergencies

Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. Before a Household Chemical Emergency Only store household chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Hazardous household chemicals may include: Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant) Nail polish and nail polish …

Read More »

Hurricanes

Prepare for Hurricanes Stay Safe During Returning Home Additional Resources Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the …

Read More »

Landslides & Debris Flow

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move …

Read More »

Nuclear Explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs. A nuclear weapon is a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Nuclear devices range from …

Read More »

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could …

Read More »

Pandemic

Prepare for Pandemic Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person. A new …

Read More »

Power Outages

Power Outage Tips During a Power Outage After a Power Outage Associated Content Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas …

Read More »

Radiological Dispersion Device

An RDD combines a conventional explosive device — such as a bomb — with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a …

Read More »

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Know your Risk Understand the type of hazardous …

Read More »

Space Weather

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About …

Read More »

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Prepare for Thunder & Lightning Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create …

Read More »

Tornadoes

Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can: Happen anytime and anywhere. Bring intense winds, over 200 miles …

Read More »

Tsunamis

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet …

Read More »

Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that …

Read More »

Wildfires

Prepare for Wildfires Stay Safe During After a Wildfire Additional Resources Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also communities. Prepare for Wildfires Recognize Warnings and Alerts Have …

Read More »

Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather Stay Safe During Associated Content Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few …

Read More »

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in …

Read More »

All Hazards

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often. Order Free Preparedness Materials Order free preparedness materials from FEMA’s online ordering platform. These materials …

Read More »

Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts Emergency Alert System NOAA Weather Radio When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from …

Read More »

Attacks in Public Places

While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others. What are Mass Attacks? Types of Mass Attacks Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties. Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties. Individuals using homemade bombs to cause …

Read More »

Avalanche

Protect Yourself During an Avalanche After an Avalanche Additional Resources An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain, typically on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes solid like concrete and people are unable to dig out. People caught …

Read More »

Bioterrorism

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses …

Read More »

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Chemical agents can cause death but are difficult to deliver in deadly amounts because they dissipate quickly outdoors and are hard to produce. Before a Chemical Emergency A chemical attack could come …

Read More »

Cybersecurity

Protect Yourself During an Attack After an Attack Additional Resources Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and at the national level. Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to …

Read More »

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years. Before a Drought The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life. Indoor Water Conservation …

Read More »

Earthquakes

Prepare Before Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Additional Resources An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk …

Read More »

Explosions

Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers. There are steps you can take to prepare. Before an Explosion Protect yourself: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Learn what to do in case of …

Read More »

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number …

Read More »

Floods

Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. …

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. Before a Hazardous Materials Incident Many communities …

Read More »

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a …

Read More »

Household Chemical Emergencies

Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. Before a Household Chemical Emergency Only store household chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Hazardous household chemicals may include: Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant) Nail polish and nail polish …

Read More »

Hurricanes

Prepare for Hurricanes Stay Safe During Returning Home Additional Resources Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the …

Read More »

Landslides & Debris Flow

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move …

Read More »

Nuclear Explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs. A nuclear weapon is a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Nuclear devices range from …

Read More »

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could …

Read More »

Pandemic

Prepare for Pandemic Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person. A new …

Read More »

Power Outages

Power Outage Tips During a Power Outage After a Power Outage Associated Content Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas …

Read More »

Radiological Dispersion Device

An RDD combines a conventional explosive device — such as a bomb — with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a …

Read More »

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Know your Risk Understand the type of hazardous …

Read More »

Space Weather

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About …

Read More »

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Prepare for Thunder & Lightning Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create …

Read More »

Tornadoes

Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can: Happen anytime and anywhere. Bring intense winds, over 200 miles …

Read More »

Tsunamis

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet …

Read More »

Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that …

Read More »

Wildfires

Prepare for Wildfires Stay Safe During After a Wildfire Additional Resources Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also communities. Prepare for Wildfires Recognize Warnings and Alerts Have …

Read More »

Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather Stay Safe During Associated Content Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few …

Read More »

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in …

Read More »

All Hazards

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often. Order Free Preparedness Materials Order free preparedness materials from FEMA’s online ordering platform. These materials …

Read More »

Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts Emergency Alert System NOAA Weather Radio When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from …

Read More »

Attacks in Public Places

While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others. What are Mass Attacks? Types of Mass Attacks Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties. Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties. Individuals using homemade bombs to cause …

Read More »

Avalanche

Protect Yourself During an Avalanche After an Avalanche Additional Resources An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain, typically on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes solid like concrete and people are unable to dig out. People caught …

Read More »

Bioterrorism

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses …

Read More »

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Chemical agents can cause death but are difficult to deliver in deadly amounts because they dissipate quickly outdoors and are hard to produce. Before a Chemical Emergency A chemical attack could come …

Read More »

Cybersecurity

Protect Yourself During an Attack After an Attack Additional Resources Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and at the national level. Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to …

Read More »

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years. Before a Drought The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life. Indoor Water Conservation …

Read More »

Earthquakes

Prepare Before Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Additional Resources An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk …

Read More »

Explosions

Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers. There are steps you can take to prepare. Before an Explosion Protect yourself: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Learn what to do in case of …

Read More »

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number …

Read More »

Floods

Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. …

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. Before a Hazardous Materials Incident Many communities …

Read More »

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a …

Read More »

Household Chemical Emergencies

Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. Before a Household Chemical Emergency Only store household chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Hazardous household chemicals may include: Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant) Nail polish and nail polish …

Read More »

Hurricanes

Prepare for Hurricanes Stay Safe During Returning Home Additional Resources Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the …

Read More »

Landslides & Debris Flow

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move …

Read More »

Nuclear Explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs. A nuclear weapon is a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Nuclear devices range from …

Read More »

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could …

Read More »

Pandemic

Prepare for Pandemic Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person. A new …

Read More »

Power Outages

Power Outage Tips During a Power Outage After a Power Outage Associated Content Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas …

Read More »

Radiological Dispersion Device

An RDD combines a conventional explosive device — such as a bomb — with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a …

Read More »

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Know your Risk Understand the type of hazardous …

Read More »

Space Weather

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About …

Read More »

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Prepare for Thunder & Lightning Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create …

Read More »

Tornadoes

Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can: Happen anytime and anywhere. Bring intense winds, over 200 miles …

Read More »

Tsunamis

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet …

Read More »

Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that …

Read More »

Wildfires

Prepare for Wildfires Stay Safe During After a Wildfire Additional Resources Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also communities. Prepare for Wildfires Recognize Warnings and Alerts Have …

Read More »

Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather Stay Safe During Associated Content Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few …

Read More »

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in …

Read More »

All Hazards

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often. Order Free Preparedness Materials Order free preparedness materials from FEMA’s online ordering platform. These materials …

Read More »

Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts Emergency Alert System NOAA Weather Radio When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency messages from …

Read More »

Attacks in Public Places

While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others. What are Mass Attacks? Types of Mass Attacks Active shooter: Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties. Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties. Individuals using homemade bombs to cause …

Read More »

Avalanche

Protect Yourself During an Avalanche After an Avalanche Additional Resources An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain, typically on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes solid like concrete and people are unable to dig out. People caught …

Read More »

Bioterrorism

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons: bacteria, viruses …

Read More »

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Chemical agents can cause death but are difficult to deliver in deadly amounts because they dissipate quickly outdoors and are hard to produce. Before a Chemical Emergency A chemical attack could come …

Read More »

Cybersecurity

Protect Yourself During an Attack After an Attack Additional Resources Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and at the national level. Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to …

Read More »

Drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years. Before a Drought The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life. Indoor Water Conservation …

Read More »

Earthquakes

Prepare Before Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Additional Resources An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk …

Read More »

Explosions

Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers. There are steps you can take to prepare. Before an Explosion Protect yourself: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Learn what to do in case of …

Read More »

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number …

Read More »

Floods

Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. …

Read More »

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play. Before a Hazardous Materials Incident Many communities …

Read More »

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can, be engulfed in flames. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a …

Read More »

Household Chemical Emergencies

Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. Before a Household Chemical Emergency Only store household chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Hazardous household chemicals may include: Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant) Nail polish and nail polish …

Read More »

Hurricanes

Prepare for Hurricanes Stay Safe During Returning Home Additional Resources Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the …

Read More »

Landslides & Debris Flow

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move …

Read More »

Nuclear Explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat, and radiation but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs. A nuclear weapon is a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Nuclear devices range from …

Read More »

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could …

Read More »

Pandemic

Prepare for Pandemic Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person. A new …

Read More »

Power Outages

Power Outage Tips During a Power Outage After a Power Outage Associated Content Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas …

Read More »

Radiological Dispersion Device

An RDD combines a conventional explosive device — such as a bomb — with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a …

Read More »

Severe Weather

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Know your Risk Understand the type of hazardous …

Read More »

Space Weather

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About …

Read More »

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Prepare for Thunder & Lightning Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create …

Read More »

Tornadoes

Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can: Happen anytime and anywhere. Bring intense winds, over 200 miles …

Read More »

Tsunamis

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroids. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet …

Read More »

Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that …

Read More »

Wildfires

Prepare for Wildfires Stay Safe During After a Wildfire Additional Resources Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also communities. Prepare for Wildfires Recognize Warnings and Alerts Have …

Read More »

Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather Stay Safe During Associated Content Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few …

Read More »

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in …

Read More »

Take Steps for Your Family’s Behavioral Health

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The past several months have put unprecedented strains on many families and parents and children may not have access to familiar coping tools like sports, arts programs, hanging out with friends, or group activities. To help their children cope, parents can initiate open, age-appropriate …

Read More »

Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Image Join the Twitter Chat on Mental Health and Bullying May 20 at 2 p.m. ET In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, StopBullying.gov invites you to join the Twitter Chat on Mental Health and Bullying May 20 at 2 p.m. EST with our partners the American Public Health Association, …

Read More »

Effects of Bullying on Mental Health

Image Bullying may seriously affect the mental health and well being of children and youth. Parents, teachers, coaches, and other youth-serving adults are in positions where they are able to notice when there are signs of mental distress or bullying behavior. Research suggests that children and youth who are bullied …

Read More »

Preventing Weight-Based Bullying

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 5 people aged 6 to 19 in the United States are obese. And being perceived as different—such as being overweight or underweight—is one of the most common reasons why kids get bullied. Many people living in higher-weight bodies …

Read More »

New Cyberbullying Content on Revamped StopBullying.gov

With constantly evolving and new technologies and apps, people are spending a lot of time online and on smartphones. Texting, apps, and social media have become a primary way to communicate. While we can now connect more quickly and easily, if messages are ill intended and hurtful, the virtual abuse …

Read More »

World Suicide Prevention Day

In 2011, suicide continued to be the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 years old according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). That same year, over 20% of high school students participating …

Read More »

Mother to Mother

Late one Tuesday night, I received a text from the mother of my son’s friend. She told me that we needed to talk NOW; would I call her? Two weeks earlier, my 15-year-old son had broken down in tears over the harassment he was receiving at school. What I did …

Read More »

Civil Behavior Can Help Prevent Cyberbullying

Image Most teenagers have smartphones. Even before social distancing guidelines took effect, teenagers spent a lot of time on their phones and online. Social media and online platforms provide ways to connect and share thoughts with friends, acquaintances, and others. It can also be a place where conversations can quickly …

Read More »

Bullying Prevention: An International Cause

Image Pictured (from left): Bethany Miller, HRSA, Injury and Violence Prevention Team Lead; Justine Larson, SAMHSA, Senior Medical Advisor; RADM Kerry Nesseler, HRSA, Director of the Office of Global Health; Nicole White, ED, Education Program Specialist Recently, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) hosted a special visit with representatives …

Read More »

Cyberbullying Part 2: What Parents Can Do

Anticipate potential problems or risks with your child Having conversations about phone use and cyberbullying before any problems arise can set the tone that you are open and will be thoughtful, if they should happen to need you. Remember if they do not come to you at all when things …

Read More »

New Cyberbullying Content on Revamped StopBullying.gov

With constantly evolving and new technologies and apps, people are spending a lot of time online and on smartphones. Texting, apps, and social media have become a primary way to communicate. While we can now connect more quickly and easily, if messages are ill intended and hurtful, the virtual abuse …

Read More »

Law Enforcement’s Reminder: the Negative Effects of Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Cyberbullying is similar to traditional bullying in many ways; however, the …

Read More »

Facebook and Cyberbullying

In the world of social media and online networking, the issue of safety continuously arises, particularly among teenagers.  Cyberbullying, bullying that takes place using electronic technology, has unique challenges when compared to more traditional forms of bullying. Parents need to be aware of what their teens are doing online and talk …

Read More »

A Personal Perspective on Cyberbullying

Back when MySpace was popular, almost every student at my high school had a profile. For us MySpace was an online-place where we could thoroughly express ourselves. We would post pictures from our latest and greatest adventures, update our status to our current mood, and choose backgrounds and music that …

Read More »

Protect Kids Online at OnGuardOnline.gov

Stand Up to Bullying YouTube video Today’s kids use technology more than ever. While technology can be a great tool to communicate, learn, and socialize, it can also be used in harmful ways, and allow some kids to take bullying from school hallways into cyberspace. Cyberbullying happens when kids bully …

Read More »

Bullying Prevention: An International Cause

Image Pictured (from left): Bethany Miller, HRSA, Injury and Violence Prevention Team Lead; Justine Larson, SAMHSA, Senior Medical Advisor; RADM Kerry Nesseler, HRSA, Director of the Office of Global Health; Nicole White, ED, Education Program Specialist Recently, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) hosted a special visit with representatives …

Read More »

2016 Federal Bullying Prevention Summit Explores Themes of Tolerance and Inclusion

On Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention hosted the fifth Federal Bullying Prevention Summit at the U.S. Department of Education. Conducted every two years, this year’s theme was “Keeping Kids Safe: Promoting Tolerance and Inclusion Among Students to Prevent Bullying.” Senior officials from the U.S. Departments …

Read More »

2014 Federal Bullying Prevention Summit Addresses Importance of Collaboration

“Outstanding” and “irreplaceable” were just two adjectives used to describe the fourth Federal Bullying Prevention Summit – “Keeping Kids Safe: Opportunities and Challenges in Bullying Prevention.”  The Summit was the culmination of many months of hard work by the Summit Planning Committee, a sub-committee of the larger Federal Partners in …

Read More »

2012-2013 Webinar Series in Review

In the past year, the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention has hosted several free webinars to bring attention to a variety of topic areas in bullying prevention and response. These webinars attracted parents, educators, as well as many other community members. These webinar materials are still available for your use. …

Read More »

Bullying Prevention During Summer Activities

Image It’s summertime! Now that the school year has come to an end, students will soon engage in different summer activities like sports, arts, and faith-based camps. These and other types of extra-curricular activities help children develop skills, find new friends, pursue their interests, and become involved in their community. …

Read More »

Return to In-Person Classes

Image After a year of virtual and hybrid schooling, many children are returning to in-person learning. This is welcome news. In addition to the academic and social engagement schools provide, they also offer critical services and benefits that include school supported resources like meal programs, special education, mental health services, …

Read More »

Being Kind Helps Prevent Bullying

Image School climate describes the quality and character of school life and is an important factor in students’ social and emotional experiences. A healthy school environment is safe, inclusive, respectful, and free from violence and bullying. One of the easiest ways to create a positive school climate is by being …

Read More »

Learn How Mentoring Youth Helps Prevent Bullying

Image January is National Mentoring Month, an annual observance to celebrate mentoring and the positive effects mentors have on young people. Generally, mentoring describes an older, more experienced person providing support and advice to a younger person (or mentee). Mentors can help their mentees build skills, develop relationships, overcome challenges, …

Read More »

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

Image Prevent Bullying Every Day As reported on the 2019 Indicators of School Crime and Safety report, about 20% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied in 2017. Among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied during the school year, 15% were bullied online or by text. National Bullying Prevention …

Read More »

Bullying Prevention and Remote Learning

Image Going back to school this year looks a bit different for all students. Some students are attending class in person, some are learning from home, and others may be doing both. Building a safe and supportive learning environment for all kinds of learning is key to preventing bullying. Bullying …

Read More »

Civil Behavior Can Help Prevent Cyberbullying

Image Most teenagers have smartphones. Even before social distancing guidelines took effect, teenagers spent a lot of time on their phones and online. Social media and online platforms provide ways to connect and share thoughts with friends, acquaintances, and others. It can also be a place where conversations can quickly …

Read More »

Inclusive Classrooms Benefit All Students

Image 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same …

Read More »

Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Image Join the Twitter Chat on Mental Health and Bullying May 20 at 2 p.m. ET In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, StopBullying.gov invites you to join the Twitter Chat on Mental Health and Bullying May 20 at 2 p.m. EST with our partners the American Public Health Association, …

Read More »

Help Children Stay Healthy While Social Distancing

Image During this time of social distancing, parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children stay healthy. This includes helping children remain positive, active, and connected to their friends and peers. Silence or lack of contact with friends can make some children feel rejected, insecure, or confused. Parents …

Read More »

Mentoring Youth Helps Prevent Bullying

Image Mentors can be protective factors for youth Mentors are dependable adults that can help youth build trust, form new relationships and develop important skills. Mentors are role models for youth that exist outside of the family unit. Mentors can support youth to develop self-awareness, build skills to manage their …

Read More »

Social Emotional Learning Helps Prevent Bullying

Image Experiencing bullying at school can impact a student’s mental health, wellbeing, and academic achievement. According to CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in 2017, 19% of U.S. high school students were bullied at school, and 6.7% didn’t go to school at least one day during the previous 30 days because …

Read More »

Create a Long-Term Strategy to Prevent or Address Bullying

Image National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month is a great time to mobilize your community to develop a plan to prevent and address bullying. Parents, educators, elected officials, students, health and safety providers, recreation, faith-based, and business leaders all have a role to play in keeping children and teens in your …

Read More »

Effects of Bullying on Mental Health

Image Bullying may seriously affect the mental health and well being of children and youth. Parents, teachers, coaches, and other youth-serving adults are in positions where they are able to notice when there are signs of mental distress or bullying behavior. Research suggests that children and youth who are bullied …

Read More »

Bullying Prevention Is a Community Wide Effort

Image Bullying can happen anywhere, not just at school. When the power of a community is brought together to address it, bullying can be prevented. Community-wide strategies can help identify and support children who are bullied, redirect the behavior of children who bully, and change the attitudes of adults and …

Read More »

Integrating Bullying Assessment into Health Care Visits

Image Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that can have negative, lasting effects on a person. For children and youth in situations of prolonged and repeated abuse – like bullying and cyberbullying – the impact can affect their development, the way they interact with others, and how …

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Bullying Has Negative Consequences For All Involved

Bullying is an unwanted aggressive behavior characterized by repetition (i.e., it is repeated or has a high likelihood of being repeated), and a power imbalance that is observed or perceived (i.e., youth bullying others have more physical and/or social power than bullied youth). The behavior is intentional and can result …

Read More »

Being an Upstander Is Linked to Future Optimism

Image Everyone involved in a bullying situation is affected. A recent study on cumulative experiences of bullying found that youth involvement in bullying over time – either as the one who bullies, the one who is bullied, or as a bystander who helps bullies – resulted in multiple negative outcomes. …

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Take Action to Prevent Bullying

Image You care about the children and teens in your family, neighborhood, and community. You want to help prevent bullying, but might not know where to start. There are many things you can do to prevent or address bullying. You can have an impact, whether thru seemingly small, in-the-moment actions …

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Mentoring is a Great Way to Prevent Bullying

Mentoring can take many forms, from formal relationships in professional settings, to informal relationships based on specific goals or activities. Role modeling and mentoring youth on positive social behavior and bullying prevention doesn’t have to be formalized. Mentoring can be done in daily interactions, classroom settings, group activities, online, and …

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Summer Strategies for Bullying Prevention

For children, summer is a time for rest, family vacations, camp, and fun with friends. With a more relaxed schedule, online gaming, texting, and time on social media may also increase. The summer break can be a great time for parents to refresh bullying prevention strategies, strengthen communication with their …

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Becoming an Upstander to Bullying Just Got Easier!

Don’t be a bystander when it comes to bullying. Be an Upstander! StopBullying.gov has new resources to help you safely upstand to bullying. For example, our new Bystander Fact Sheet details the different roles bystanders play in stopping or enabling the bullying behavior. We have also released the new Become …

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When Students with Disabilities Become Bullying Targets

Image Students with a behavioral, emotional, or developmental disability are at a greater risk for bullying – in fact, according to a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics (2006), the rate is about twice as high as typical kids. In our state of Delaware, public school enrollment of …

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Cyberbullying Part 2: What Parents Can Do

Anticipate potential problems or risks with your child Having conversations about phone use and cyberbullying before any problems arise can set the tone that you are open and will be thoughtful, if they should happen to need you. Remember if they do not come to you at all when things …

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How far can you move the needle on bullying prevention?

Measuring prevention of bullying can be difficult. Over time, we can see if the number of incidents is decreasing, but determining if prevention efforts are working along the way remains a challenge. Recently, a team of bullying and violence prevention experts came together to figure out how best to measure …

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Be Someone’s Hero

Be Someone’s Hero About one in five teens reports being bullied, which is harmful, but preventable. This video will support a larger effort on the VetoViolence Facebook page during National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in October 2017.

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Can Kindness Overcome Bullying?

Kindness Matters While being kind might sound easy, it is complex. If kindness was simple, then everyone would be kind and no one would experience meanness and bullying. Imagine a world where kindness is the norm. Is it possible to create homes, schools, and communities where kindness is the norm? …

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Bullying Prevention Awareness Month Ends

School-based bullying has decreased for the first time since data have been collected, which is very encouraging. Yet, certain groups of youth may be at greater risk for bullying due to a perceived power imbalance. During bullying prevention awareness month, we featured the voices of some of these youth including …

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Unity Day

Unity Day is Wednesday, October 19. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center started Unity Day in 2011. The purpose of Unity Day is to demonstrate that we are together against bullying. We are united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion of all students. Get involved! Wear and share the color ORANGE on Unity Day! Join …

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Back to School with StopBullying.gov

Now that September has rolled around again, it can mean only one thing:  back to school!  In the excitement of meeting new teachers, getting back on the school schedule, carpools, and busses to catch, it is also a great time to help kids prevent bullying.  Stopbullying.gov is full of resources …

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Developing Youth and Adult Partnerships Can Help Address Bullying

Youth-adult partnerships involve multiple youth working together with multiple adults to address issues that are important to the overall health of people, groups and communities. A goal of these partnerships is to stimulate youth to develop social responsibility – a crucial factor in the promotion of health and well-being. Research in youth-adult …

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Restorative Justice Practices and Bullying Prevention

States and districts are increasingly in support of policies and practices that shift school discipline away from zero tolerance, such as suspension and expulsion, to discipline that is focused on teaching and engagement.  To this effort, districts and states are rethinking discipline and adopting both Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) and Bullying Prevention …

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Bullying Can Happen Anywhere – Online and Offline

The library is one of the safe places at school – where everyone can feel welcome and comfortable asking for advice and resources. Librarians are nurturers, caregivers and protectors. We take this role especially seriously at our middle school, where 57 percent of our students qualify for free or reduced …

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Engaging Communities in Bullying Prevention

Bullying affects children and young adults in every U.S. state and jurisdiction. Across the nation, we’ve seen communities work together in response to this issue, investing their resources to increase bullying prevention efforts and create safer environments for youth. Whether through ongoing bullying prevention trainings for adults who work with …

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The Warning Signs of Bullying

At the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, we believe it’s important to raise awareness about the effects of bullying. Together with our partners, we work to provide resources and support for those in emotional distress, including individuals who have been bullied. In popular media, bullying behavior is often linked to suicide …

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Take Action Today Blog Series Booklet: Now Available!

Throughout the year, StopBullying.gov featured a series of blog posts co-authored by bullying prevention subject matter experts at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other key partner organizations. The series, called “Take Action Today” shared compelling and personal stories of teachers, school nurses, law enforcement officials, and others …

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October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

This month, across the world, from New York to New Zealand, thousands of schools, communities, organizations, and individuals will come together to release new resources, campaigns, and efforts aimed at raising awareness for bullying prevention. Nearly a decade old, Bullying Prevention Awareness month was initiated by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention …

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Stopping Bullying from the Beginning

The earlier we start, the better the outcomes. Brain scientists, educators, economists and public health experts agree that the foundation for healthy relationships begins at birth. The earlier children can adapt and develop critical social-emotional skills – like attentiveness, persistence and impulse control – the earlier they can engage in …

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Making Bullying Everyone’s Business

Bullying is more than a problem of one child bullying another. The power imbalance that defines bullying is also reflected in classroom social relations. Whereas those who bully are frequently considered “cool” or popular, their targets are “uncool” are typically rejected by classmates. Those who witness bullying play a key …

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Bullying Rates Drop

Bullying remains a serious issue for students and their families, and efforts to reduce bullying concern policy makers, administrators, and educators. According to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, “As schools become safer, students are better able to thrive academically and socially. The Department, along with our federal partners and …

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