Other Youth Topics

About TAG

Adolescence is an important time for promoting health and preventing disease; one that is sometimes overlooked. Most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents are generally healthy. In recent years, the United States has seen declines in teen births, smoking, and substance use, as well as higher academic achievement for younger adolescents. However, all adolescents can benefit from guidance on how to improve their health and development during these years—and for some, serious challenges remain. Learn more about Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG) in the sections below and get your networks to join the call-to-action with the TAG Toolkit (PDF, 12 pages).

Find resources in support of action steps to improve adolescent health for each professional group.

What is TAG?   Risks and Protective Factors

TAG calls on organizations and individuals working with adolescents to prioritize activities that improve health. Learn how the effort began.

 

See how experimentation and risk-taking can affect adolescent health negatively and positively.

     
Five Essentials for Healthy Adolescents   TAG Registered Trademark

Learn the essential components to adolescent health and the framework for TAG.

 

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Learn about using the trademark.

 

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® and the logo design are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities

Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference

Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues

Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions

Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs

Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth

Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).