How to help youth at risk

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Crimes involving young adults seem to be on the up tick the last couple of months in east Idaho. One example is the shooting that happened near Compass Academy in Idaho Falls in February. What can be done to help youth who might be at risk?

Local News 8 spoke with Becky Leatham, the executive director for Community Youth in Action, which works to support prevention, create action and inspire service. It offers several activities like exercising, music and art.

Leatham said while the organization doesn't identify specific youth at risk, they believe all youth in the community are at risk to some degree. Instead, they call them youth of promise because they all have great potential.

“We believe that all youth are at risk to some degree. They have different levels of challenges, and there are some kids that face different challenges than others. But some of those who face some of the greatest challenges build the best resilience and have the best outcomes.”

Leatham said one of the best ways to help youth is giving them a safe place to belong, providing them with good mentors and giving them opportunities to serve the community. She said youth who are kept busy are less likely to get into trouble.

“We really strongly say that engaged kids are much less likely to get in trouble. So keep them busy, keep them engaged, keep them involved, communicate with them, keep them sober. All of those things make a difference.”

Leatham also shared some tips for parents to help their kids.

“When kids leave at night, look at their eyes. Know what they look like. Make sure that when they get home at night, that they look the same, they smell the same.”

Leatham also recommends parents talk with their kids and more importantly--listen to them.