Shared Risk & Protective Factors Conference

This workshop will discuss the importance of educating youth, parents and community members about the developmentally appropriate changes and challenges that youth experience during adolescence. Focus will be placed on neurobiological (structural, hormonal and neurotransmitter), social-emotional (identity formation and physical vs. emotional high risk behaviors), and cognitive changes (adolescent egocentrism). This workshop will help create an understanding of how these developmentally appropriate changes and challenges can lead to high risk behaviors and substance use, as well as how youth, parents and community members can use this information in the prevention education programs in their communities.