Use Take Action for Adolescents

The action steps outlined in the Call to Action and the Take Action Toolkit can be tailored by policymakers, health care and human service providers, youth-serving professionals, parents, caregivers, legal representatives, and researchers to improve and support adolescent health and well-being.

Call to Action (PDF, 35 pages)
Llamada a la Acción (PDF, 35 páginas)
Download Take Action for Adolescents: A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being to review the eight goals and aligned action steps to help young people thrive.

Take Action Toolkit (PDF, 24 pages)
el Kit De Herramientas Para Una Llamada A La Acción (PDF, 24 páginas)
Explore the Take Action Toolkit to implement the eight goals within the Call to Action. Use the toolkit to:

Select and customize actions to implement
Determine the most robust and effective plan to implement the actions in your organization
Design, launch, support, and evaluate your progress on your selected actions
Complement any existing programs and systems to enhance your implementation efforts
Use local and community expertise in conjunction with action planning techniques
Explore strategies, resources, and user-driven approaches to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility
Review frequently asked questions

Return to Take Action for Adolescents section landing page>>

Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities

Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference

Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues

Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions

Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs

Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth

Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).