The COVID-19 pandemic has affected young people’s lives in different ways. The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) has engaged young people to deepen our understanding of challenges they face and ways supportive adults can help. Young people have shared that the pandemic has disrupted their support networks and deepened their sense of isolation in addition to increasing feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Supportive adults — teachers, youth workers, caseworkers, and others — have also shared concerns about how the pandemic has disrupted their connection with youth. Today, we turn to two young adults and one researcher to call attention to these challenges faced by youth in a three-part video and audio series. They also identify specific steps supportive adults can take to help youth cope.

Hear the audio only version here.

LATICIA AOSSEY

Laticia Aossey is a young adult alumna of foster care. She holds a BA in social work and is a behavioral health specialist working with youth in foster care. She explains some unique challenges children in foster care experience as their scheduled face-to-face appointments and check-ins are disrupted. She also provides practical tips for other supportive adults to engage with youth virtually.

TUAN GRAZIANO

Tuan Graziano is a current student experiencing the effects of isolation both inside and outside of the classroom. He identifies challenges the virtual environment creates for young people. He also shares different ways that online learning can make connecting with teachers and peers more difficult. He wraps up with suggestions to encourage and support supportive adults in their efforts to reach youth.

BENJAMIN HOULTBERG

Benjamin Houltberg is Vice President of Research and Practice at Search Institute and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He studies human growth and development and is passionate about improving quality of life for young people. He focuses on the connection between relationships and well-being and shares research-based recommendations for how supportive adults can create intentional connections with youth. Check out the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships in COVID resources (PDF, 2 pages).