Overview
Safe, supportive relationships with adults are critical for helping young people thrive. At the same time, young people experiencing the child welfare or justice system, homelessness, or disconnection from school and work are more likely to face challenges accessing mental health and sexual and reproductive health resources. This guide offers research-informed strategies for youth-supporting professionals to actively—and intentionally—promote young people’s mental health, to serve as (and identify other) supportive adults, and help prevent unintended teen pregnancy.
Suggested Citation: Beckwith, S. Mihalec-Adkins, B., Huang, L. A., Smith, S., & Tallant, J. (2026) A practice guide for promoting youth mental health and sexual and reproductive health as a supportive adult. Child Trends.