Resources

NCFY's list of links will help you navigate the wealth of youth-related information on the Internet. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and that the content of sites listed here does not necessarily represent the official position, policies, or views of NCFY, the Family and Youth Services Bureau, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

NCFY has grouped the links by topic, so you can easily locate the information you need to help young people and families. To find sites of interest to you, choose one of the categories below.

ABSTINENCE

	4Parents.gov A guide for parents on talking to their adolescents about healthy choices, abstinence, sex, and relationships.
	Abstinence Clearinghouse Clearinghouse and membership organization that promotes sexual abstinence until marriage.
	Abstinence and Marriage Education Partnership Teaches the benefits of abstinence until marriage and healthy relationship skills by providing public and private schools with curricula and organizing assembly presentations, teacher training and parent workshops, and youth group retreats.
	Best Friends Foundation Promotes a school-based character-building program, based on an abstinence-only philosophy, for girls in grades 6 through 12.
	The Medical Institute for Sexual Health Nonprofit scientific and educational organization that identifies, evaluates, and communicates scientific data about abstinence and sexual health.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH

	American Medical Association Program on Child and Adolescent Health Information on topics related to adolescent health, such as injury prevention, mental health, violence prevention, pregnancy prevention, and alcohol and drug abuse.
	Division of Adolescent and School Health Seeks to prevent the most serious health risk behaviors among children, adolescents, and young adults. A division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
	National Adolescent Health Information Center National resource for adolescent health information and research.
	Teens Health Information for adolescents about physical and mental health.

ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY

	National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Nonprofit organization that aims to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families by reducing teen pregnancy.
	Unintended and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Administers the Adolescent Family Life Demonstration and Research program. Part of the Office of Population Affairs, Office of Public Health and Science, Department of Health and Human Services.
	National Adolescent Health Information Center A program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Reproductive Health.

AFTERSCHOOL AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

	Afterschool Alliance Raises awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocates for quality, affordable programs.
	Afterschool.gov Information on out-of-school programs for children and youth.
	Afterschool Investments Project Provides technical assistance to afterschool and out-of-school-time programs.
	After School Clearinghouse A project of MENTOR/The National Mentoring Partnership; provides tools and resources for afterschool programs that would like to include a mentoring among their activities.
	National AfterSchool Association Professional organization representing afterschool and out-of-school-time programs.
	National Institute on Out-of-School Time Research, policy development, and training related to out-of-school time and afterschool programs. Based at Wellesley College’s Center for Research on Women.
	Promising Practices in Afterschool Searchable database of promising practices from afterschool programs around the country.

CHILD AND YOUTH SAFETY

	Blueprints for Violence Prevention A searchable database of effective youth violence prevention programs. The programs were identified by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
	Children's Safety Network Resource center for child and adolescent injury and violence prevention.
	Mothers Against Drunk Driving Works to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking.
	National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Works to prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; find missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation.
	National Domestic Violence Hotline Crisis intervention, safety planning, information about domestic violence, and referrals to local service providers. 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
	National Organizations for Youth Safety Coalition of organizations advocating health and safety for youth
	National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center A “one-stop shop” for information on youth violence prevention, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other Federal agencies.
	Prevent Child Abuse America Advocates initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect.

CHILDREN OF PRISONERS

	Amachi Partnership of community- and faith-based organizations providing mentoring to children of incarcerated parents.
	Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents Produces documentation on and develops model services for children of criminal offenders and their families.
	Family and Corrections Network Membership organization of agencies and individuals that serve families of prisoners. The network also houses the National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated, which collects and disseminates information, provides training and technical assistance, and increases awareness of issues faced by families separated by incarceration.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

	AmeriCorps Coordinates intensive community service opportunities at community- and faith-based organizations and in low-income communities. A program of the National Corporation for Community Service.
	Corporation for National and Community Service Provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the Nation’s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs; offers extensive online resources on volunteering and community service.
	Idealist Kids and Teens Site A project of the nonprofit group Action Without Boarders, this site introduces children and youth to volunteering and the nonprofit world.
	Learn and Serve America Supports service learning across the United States. A program of the National Corporation for Community Service.
	National Service-Learning Clearinghouse Provides timely information and relevant resources to support service learning programs, practitioners, and researchers.
	Youth Service America Trains youth launching innovative service organizations and sponsors National Youth Service Day.

EDUCATION

	Educational Resources Information Center Database of education literature, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.
	Especially for Parents, U.S. Department of Education A guide to education issues, from school choice and afterschool programs to college and student aid.
	National Dropout Prevention Center Clearinghouse on issues related to school reform and dropout prevention.
	National PTA Provides families with support, information, and resources on the health and education of children.

FAMILY VIOLENCE

	Battered Women's Justice Project Training, technical assistance, and other resources.
	Family Violence Prevention Fund Advocacy organization that works to prevent violence within the home and in the community.
	National Domestic Violence Hotline Offers resources and toll-free number (1-800-799-SAFE) for victims of domestic abuse.
	National Center of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Family Violence Department Advances social change in courts and communities across the country by providing cutting-edge training, technical assistance, and policy development on issues of family violence.
	National Resource Center on Domestic Violence Information and resources, policy development, and technical assistance aimed at preventing domestic violence.
	Sacred Circle , National Resource Center To End Violence Against Native Women Provides training and technical assistance to Tribal organizations seeking to end violence against Native women.

FOSTER CARE AND FOSTER YOUTH

	Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative National foundation dedicated to helping youth in foster care make successful transitions to adulthood.
	Child Welfare Resource Center for Youth Development Increases the capacity and resources of States and Tribes to effectively help youth in care establish permanent connections and achieve successful transitions to adulthood. Based at the University of Oklahoma.
	FosterClub.com Nonprofit, national network for youth in foster care.
	National Foster Care Coalition Coalition of national organizations and foster care alumni dedicated to raising public awareness, coordinating advocacy efforts, and building alliances that strengthen foster care.
	National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning Works to increase the capacity and resources of State, Tribal, and other publicly supported child welfare agencies to promote family-centered practices. Based at the Hunter College School of Social Work of the City University of New York.

JUVENILE JUSTICE

	National Criminal Justice Reference Service (Juvenile Justice Section) Links to publications, events, and Web sites related to juvenile justice and juvenile crime. Topics include drug and alcohol use, juvenile recidivism, gangs, and school safety.
	National Juvenile Justice Center Research on topics related to juvenile justice.
	National Youth Gang Center Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Assists State and local jurisdictions in collecting, analyzing, and exchanging information on gangs.
	Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. A component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
	National Youth Court Center Serves as a central point of contact for youth court programs across the Nation. Managed by the American Probation and Parole Association. (Youth or teen courts are alternatives to the traditional juvenile justice system; first-time juvenile offenders are tried, judged, and represented by their peers.)
	Youth Crime Watch of America Helps students develop youth-led programs that aim to reduce crime and support young people.

MENTAL HEALTH

	American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Professional medical organization of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
	Center for Mental Health in Schools Provides publications, training, and technical assistance to improve mental health serves in schools. Part of the UCLA School Mental Health Project.
	Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Parent-run organization focusing on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders and their families.
	National Mental Health Information Center An online service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
	National Suicide Prevention Lifeline National suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Callers are routed to the closest possible provider of mental health and suicide prevention services.

MENTORING

	Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Network of mentoring organizations serving children, youth, families, and communities.
	MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership Information about mentoring and support for mentoring programs.
	MentorYouth.com Faith-based mentoring Web site focused on recruitment and program development.
	National Mentoring Center Training and technical assistance provider for mentoring programs.

MODEL PROGRAM GUIDES

	Building Partnerships for Youth Tools and information to help youth programs integrate Positive Youth Development into their work. Includes a database of youth-serving organizations that use youth development concepts. The site is a partnership between National 4-H Council and the University of Arizona.
	Community Guide to Helping America’s Youth Prepared for the Helping America’s Youth initiative spearheaded by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, the walks community groups through the steps necessary for building strong supports for youth.
	Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs Model Programs Guide, U.S. Department of Justice Designed to assist practitioners and communities in implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention programs that can make a difference in the lives of children and communities.
	National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability Online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively addresses the needs of youth with disabilities.
	National Youth Summit Youth Leadership Guide Descriptions of 12 successful youth leadership programs. The guide was developed based on discussions at the 2004 National Youth Summit in Cleveland, Ohio.

NATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

	Boys & Girls Clubs of America Programs and services that promote and enhance the development of boys and girls.
	Boy Scouts of America Educational program for boys and young adults to build character, train in the responsibilities of participatory citizenship, and develop personal fitness.
	Camp Fire Boys and Girls Provides youth with developmental opportunities and improves the societal conditions that affect youth.
	Girls Incorporated Research-based educational programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges.
	Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Provides girls with opportunities to engage in activities that develop their potential while allowing them to interact with peers in a supportive, all-girl setting.
	National 4-H Council Experiential programs and activities for young people across the country.
	YMCA of the USA Nationwide community service organization for families, youth, and communities.
	YWCA Social, health, and economic programs for women and girls.

PARENTING

	Parenting Resources, USA.gov Provides links to a host of Federal resources for parents.
	Parenting.org Tips for parents, from the Girls and Boys Town National Resource and Training Center.

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND RESEARCH

	America’s Promise Brings together communities, individuals, companies and organizations from all sectors to improve the odds for children and youth.
	American Youth Policy Forum Educates policymakers on youth issues such as education, training, transition to employment, and national and community service.
	Forum for Youth Investment Research, education, and training to make sure that all young people are ready for college, school, and life by age 21.
	Helping America’s Youth Nationwide effort, initiated by President George W. Bush and led by First Lady Laura Bush, to benefit children and teenagers by encouraging action in three key areas: family, school, and community. Web site includes a step-by-step guide to building strong supports for youth.
	Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development Conducts research, conferences, and outreach to promote Positive Youth Development.
	National Conference of State Legislatures Provides policymakers with research, technical assistance, and opportunities to exchange ideas on the most pressing State issues.
	National League of Cities As part of its agenda to strengthen cities, advocates on behalf of youth and children and provides publications and technical assistance on youth issues.
	Public/Private Ventures Works to improve the effectiveness of social policies, programs, and community initiatives, especially as they affect youth and young adults.
	Search Institute Promotes research and collaboration around the idea that young people need “developmental assets,” positive experiences and personal qualities that help them grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND NETWORKS

	Alliance for Children and Families International nonprofit association representing more than 450 child- and family-serving organizations.
	Child Welfare League of America Membership association of nearly 1,000 public and private agencies that provide a wide range of services to children and families.
	National Children's Coalition Resource and referral center for information on issues and activities related to children and youth; also serves as a membership organization for child and youth professionals, advocates, and organizations.
	National Network for Youth Educates the public, promotes youth-adult partnerships, and strengthens community-based organizations that serve youth.

RESEARCH CENTERS

	Center for Adolescent Studies Research on social issues relevant to youth.
	Center for the Future of Children The applied research, policy, evaluation, and grant-making unit of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
	Center for Youth Development and Policy Research Located at the Academy for Educational Development.
	Chapin Hall Center for Children Research to improve the health and well-being of children and youth; located at the University of Chicago.
	Child Trends Researches children, youth, and family issues, including teenage pregnancy and childbearing, the effects of welfare and poverty on children, and other issues related to parenting, family structure, and family dynamics.
	Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network Provides information on educational outreach programs, online publications, and research on children, youth, and families from universities in all 50 States.
	Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics Federal effort to coordinate the collection and reporting of data on child and family issues.
	Girl Scout Research Institute Center for research and public policy information on the healthy development of girls.
	The Harvard Family Research Project Researches family support programs and policies, disseminates research findings, and provides technical assistance to practitioners, policymakers, and educators.
	National Academies Board on Children, Youth, and Families Convenes experts from the behavioral, social, and health sciences to address policy-relevant issues related to the health and development of children, youth, and families.
	Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood Examines the changing nature of early adulthood and the policies, programs, and institutions that support young people as they move into adulthood; located at the University of Pennsylvania.

RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH

	National Alliance to End Homelessness Nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing the nonprofit, public, and private sectors through education and advocacy.
	National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Professional organization dedicated to addressing the educational issues that impact students experiencing homelessness.
	National Center for Homeless Education Provides research, resources, and information enabling communities to address the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness. Part of SERVE, the Regional Educational Laboratory for the Southeastern United States.
	National Runaway Switchboard Confidential hotline that provides support and referrals to runaway youth, youth who are thinking about running away, and their families. 1-800-RUNAWAY.

SCHOOL SAFETY

	Center for the Prevention of School Violence Works to ensure that schools environments are safe, secure, and conducive to learning.
	Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network Works to ensure safe schools for all students.
	National Alliance for Safe Schools Provides technical assistance, training, and research to school districts interested in reducing school-based crime and violence.
	National Resource Center for Safe Schools Clearinghouse of information on school safety.

TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

	Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Training and Technical Assistance Providers Ten training and technical assistance providers across the country that are funded by FYSB to assist Runaway and Homeless Youth Program grantee agencies.
	National Resource Center for Youth Services Training and technical assistance for youth-serving organizations and professionals; based at the University of Oklahoma.
	National Training Institute for Community Youth Work Training and professional development for youth workers; based at the Academy for Educational Development.

TRANSITIONAL AND INDEPENDENT LIVING

	Casey Life Skills Offers a free online life skills assessment tool as well as a guide that helps youth workers design a curriculum tailored to their transitional living program and their youth population.
	Daniel Memorial Institute Produces of life skills curricula and assessment tools for foster youth and other at-risk young people.
	National Independent Living Association Provides training, technical assistance, and support to independent living programs.

TRIBAL YOUTH

	Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country Partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Native American Tribes to provide programs and services for Native youth.
	Office of Indian Education Programs National education system for Native American children and adults; part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
	United National Indian Tribal Youth Fosters the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native American and Alaskan Native youth.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

	Career Voyages Information on high-growth, high-demand occupations. A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education.
	Jobs for the Future Nonprofit organization working to improve education and job opportunities for disadvantaged youth and adults.
	The National Youth Employment Coalition National network of youth employment and youth development organizations dedicated to helping youth succeed in becoming lifelong learners, productive workers, and self-sufficient citizens; runs PEPNet, the Promising and Effective Practices Network, a system for enhancing the quality of employment and education programs for young people ages 12 to 25.
	Sar Levitan Center for Social Policy Studies Research and policy center dedicated to improving the educational and employment prospects for disconnected youth; based at Johns Hopkins University’s Institute for Policy Studies.
	YouthBuild USA National network of programs that train youth to build low-income housing while helping them to acquire their GEDs.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

	The Freechild Project Advocates for and supports youth-led social change; Web site includes the Youth Media Info Center, which lists youth media organizations, youth media publishers, and youth media resources.
	Global Youth Action Network Facilitates youth participation and intergenerational partnership in global decisionmaking, supports collaboration among youth organizations, and provides tools, resources, and recognition for positive youth action.
	The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development Promotes community and youth development and increases youth involvement.
	National Youth Leadership Council Promotes service learning and youth leadership.
	SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, drug use, impaired driving, teen violence, and teen depression and suicide.
	SoundOut Promotes meaningful student involvement in school decisionmaking.
	TakingITGlobal Online community for young people interested in making a difference in their communities and the world.
	What Kids Can Do Publicizes the voices and views of adolescents.
	Youth on Board Prepares youth to be leaders and decision makers in their communities and strengthens relationships between youth and adults.
	Youth Venture Helps young people start youth-led organizations.

YOUTH MEDIA

	Children’s Pressline News reported and edited by children and youth.
	L.A. Youth Bimonthly newspaper written, edited, and published by high school students in Los Angeles.
	New Expression Monthly newspaper written, edited, and published by high school students in Chicago.
	New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams Bimonthly magazine written and edited by girls, ages 8 to 14.
	New Youth Connections Newspaper founded to train, inform, and provide a voice for New York City adolescents through print journalism.
	Represent Newspaper written by and for youth in the New York City foster care system.
	Teen Voices Quarterly magazine written by and for girls and young women, ages 12 to 19.
	Vox: The Voice of Our Generation Bimonthly newspaper produced eight times per year by high-school-age youth in Atlanta.
	Yo! Youth Outlook Written by and for high school students in the San Francisco Bay area.
	Youth Noise Web forum for youth opinions on social issues.

YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

	DisabilityInfo.gov An online resource for Americans with disabilities. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in partnership with 20 other Federal agencies.
	National Center for Youth with Disabilities A project of the University of Minnesota's Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health; information and resource center focusing on adolescents with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
	National Council on Disabilities Independent federal agency that makes recommendations to the President and Congress on issues that affect people with disabilities and their families.
	National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities Information on topics related to children and youth with disabilities, including the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, the No Child Left Behind Act, and effective educational practices.
	PACER Center Parent advocacy group working on behalf of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

YOUTH-RELATED NEWS AND INFORMATION

	Connect for Kids News on child and youth issues, programs, and policies.
	National Youth Development Information Center Source of news and information for youth workers with interest in any and all of the following areas: funding, programming, research, policy, job and training opportunities.
	Youth Today Independent, monthly newspaper for professionals in the youth service field.

This page contains links to sites that are not within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) domain. ACF cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by these links. Links to non-ACF Web sites do not constitute endorsements by ACF or any of its employees of the sponsors of the sites or the information or products presented on the sites. In addition, the privacy protection provided on the ACF domain (see ACF's Privacy Policy) may not be available at the external link.