Working with Youth: Risk Factors and Protective Factors

There is a lot of awareness around risk factors for our youth. People are always referring to the ACE tool and others to show which kids are considered at risk. Rarely, are protective factors discussed. The discussion is always around the risk and not the tools that our youth have access to that can save them from detrimental effects, despite their risk factors. If we can begin to change the conversation to protective factors, many of our youth can avoid many negative effects caused by their life situations. It is important for providers to begin to focus on protective factors.