Kimberly Schonert-Reichl

What Does it Mean to be "At Risk"?

The concept of “risk” is frequently used when talking about children and youth. Yet many questions remain about what it means for a child and/or youth to be “at risk.” Some of the questions that will be explored in this session include:

• What does it mean to be identified as “at risk?”
• What are the processes and mechanisms that promote or prevent risk?
• What are the biological, individual, family, social, and contextual factors that underlie risk?
• What are the “risks” and/or benefits of being labeled “at risk”?
• What role can families, schools, communities, society play in promoting or preventing risk?