Healthy Adolescent Development
Prior to our Enhancing Healthy Adolescent Development (EHAD) journey, the Health Unit had developed a Youth Strategy Framework that goes beyond addressing the needs and risks (deficit-based) of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark youth. It promotes health and puts an emphasis on enhancing protective factors (asset-based) in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity, and mental well-being and resiliency, while addressing environments and the social determinants of health (SDOH). The core principles within the youth strategy fully align with the content in this best practice guideline, and the recommendations chosen are key precursors to implementing our Youth Strategy Framework. They set the stage for a supportive environment and consistent understanding for staff and management, with regards to working with youth and/or influencers of youth.
Recommendations being implemented:
- When working with youth, nursing interactions will be grounded in principles of respect, confidentiality, trust and transparency. Nurses will acknowledge youth’s strengths and potentials while building on collaborative partnerships.
- Nurses who work with adolescents will have specific knowledge and skills related to adolescent development, health and well-being.
- Agencies and funders allocate appropriate staffing and material resources to enable implementation of comprehensive approaches to adolescent programming.
- Organizations provide educational opportunities for nurses to improve their understanding of adolescent development, health and well-being, and ways to engage youth in meaningful ways.
Enhancing Healthy Adolescent Development Best Practice Guideline