TRUSTED ADULT
WHAT IS A TRUSTED ADULT?
There is literature that suggests that “young people are better able to succeed in the face of adversity when they have at least one stable and meaningful relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult. Further, research tells us that when an adolescent is connected to multiple support systems (such as family, peers, school staff, and community members), they are more likely to engage in behaviors that protect their sexual and reproductive health.”
Having a trusted adult is a major protective factor in the lives of our youth. Here are some conversation starters you can use to connect with the youth in your life, to provide a way to start some of those harder conversations:
Here are some things to look for in a trusted adult.
What to look for…
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Someone who talks to you, not at you.
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Someone who encourages you and supports you.
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Someone who you want to be like.
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Someone who is older than you.
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Someone who supports your values.
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Someone of the same gender
What NOT to look for….
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Someone who is a romantic partner
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Someone your age
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Someone you don’t respect.
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Someone who wants to change you
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Someone who tries to change what you value.
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Someone who is always being negative.
How do you find an adult you can trust?
Examples of who could be your trusted adult:
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Teacher
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Counselor
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Coach
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Parent
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Relative
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Neighbor
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Pastor
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Boss
Looking for a someone you can trust can feel overwhelming. Where do you look for a person you trust? Here's some places to start.
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Look where you already spend time; school, work, home, or church.
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Make a list of the adults you respect.
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From that list pick 1 or 2 adults you feel comfortable talking to.
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Reach out to that adult and ask if you can talk.
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​After talking to them, make sure to arrange to talk again. Keep the conversation going.