%0 Journal Article
%T Youth strengths arise from the ashes of adversity
%A Bjorn Johansson
%A Brenda Juby
%A C
%A Christine Walsh
%A Graham McCaffrey
%A Mary-Lynn Wardle
%A ace Lind
%J International Journal of Adolescence and Youth
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2018.1528165
%X ABSTRACT With problem-oriented approaches to practice, policy and research, youth considered to be ¡®at-risk¡¯ are not often viewed from a strengths-based perspective. Explorations of youths¡¯ strengths are critical to help create environments where youth can flourish. The purpose of this research was to explore the resilience, healthy capabilities and strengths of youth at risk; from youth and staff perspectives across three community-based organizations in Western Canada. Through 17 interviews analyzed using hermeneutics, and further interpretation using metaphor development, stories arose of a journey progressing from loss and despair to fostering hope. The importance of youth having a voice and being included in decision-making was both a strength and a way of building strengths in youth. Multiple-level recommendations to help mediate the challenges and systems failures identified in these youths¡¯ journeys were identified; with an end goal of creating healthier futures for youth and a society in which they feel they belong
%U https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673843.2018.1528165