IntroductionAt-risk youth are adolescents who experience acute behavioral and emotional problems, making them dangerous to themselves and others (Janis , 2002). It also hinders their ability to learn and adapt to various social contexts. At-risk youth often find themselves incarcerated in a juvenile facility and are often labeled a threat to our society. They are prone to suicidal behavior which sometimes leads to a fatal outcome. According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death between ages 15 and 24 and the sixth leading cause of death between ages 5 and 15. At-risk youth also commonly engage in drug use, drop out of school, and engage in unprotected sexual behavior and violent crime at an early age. AdvocacyYoung people at risk require special attention from the people around them on a daily basis. Having constant, positive influence and guidance will enable them to mature responsibly and make better decisions. Advocacy programs have played an important role in helping at-risk youth. Youth advocates provide individual and family counseling as well as a variety of other helpful services. They help connect youth and their families to existing community programs. They work to create an environment where everyone works together to provide coordinated support to young people. Additionally, they provide counseling services to all ages through elementary, middle, and high schools. They are also involved in alcohol and drug prevention and intervention, juvenile court diversion, and family support and assistance. During this intervention, the social worker advocate employs various methodologies. One of the methodologies used by advocates is the development approach. This involves the advo...... middle of paper ......s supposed to be voluntary and have informed consent. As Josie is a minor, parental consent is required. ConclusionAdolescence is a unique period of life. It is full of changes and challenges, but also growth and opportunities. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to high-risk behaviors. it is therefore imperative that parents and other concerned adults support young people throughout this period. The process surrounding high-risk behaviors can be complex, and it is often not enough to simply tell a child to “say no” to engaging in these behaviors. To be most effective, prevention of risky behavior must cover a wide range of problems that adolescents face. Indeed, the well-being of our society depends on our ability to prepare ourselves adequately; responsible and well-educated young people must progress as the older generation passes.