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?