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YOUTH GUIDED means* that young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision-making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and procedures that govern the care for all youth in the community, state, and nation.

*as defined by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration)

Motivated and driven youth learn to advocate for themselves and others. 

Youth find their direction through increased knowledge of services , resources, and deeper understanding of the system.

The Youth Guided Process will also be fun and worthwhile.

Youth voices express the ideas and opinions of young people up to age 25 about topics such as:

• Social and Emotional Health

• Mental Health Diagnoses

• Substance Abuse

• Suicide Prevention

• Teen Pregnancy

• Violence

• Transitioning Into Adulthood

• Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

• Relationships

• Education 

• Family Life

Some Roles for Youth include:

• Youth Group Leaders

• Peer Advocates

• Trainers

• Governing Board Positions

• State and Local Committees

• Social Marketing

• Evaluators

For more information on 
meetings and activities, contact:

Rachel Smolenski
44 Hatchetts Hill Rd
Old Lyme CT 06371
860 434 4890 x325
rsmolenski@learn.k12.ct.us

Voicing Our Inner Creative Energy (VOICE)

Come get involved in our mission to get our voices heard.

• Learn Positive Leadership Skills

• Get Involved in Your Community

• Connect With Other Motivated Youth in Southeastern CT!

Youth Resources and Links:

• National Youth Rights Association
  http://www.youthrights.org/

• Site dedicated to Survivors of Mountain Park, Palm Lane, and Bethesda Home for Girls
  http://www.mountainparksurvivors.net/

• History of the Juvenile Justice System
  http://www.juvenilejusticefyi.com/history_of_juvenile_justice.html

• Youth MOVE (formerly the National Youth Development Board NYDB)
  http://www.tapartnership.org/youth/YouthMOVE.asp

• Families United for Children's Mental Health
  http://ctfamiliesunited.homestead.com/

• Young Adults United is a youth group sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health.  This group meets once a month, the 2nd Tuesday from 6:00-8:00p - read more...

• Youth Advocates
  http://www.youthadvocates.org/

• Advocates for Youth
  http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm