100779: The Well-Being of Immigrant Latino Youth

About the Course:

All families must confront positive and negative influences when raising children. This challenge is greater for new immigrants, who must negotiate the additional influences of culture and environment and incorporate their family history into their life in a new country. This article summarizes findings regarding the well-being of Latino youth on domains important to functioning later in life (e.g., mental health, substance use, school functioning, early adult role-taking). The summary is followed by a discussion of the psychosocial risks that threaten the successful adaptation of Latino youth in immigrant families and the protective factors that facilitate their adaptation. A framework of practice guidelines and case applications is proposed to guide helping professionals in assessing the needs of Latino youth. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Introduction II. Status of Latino Youth III. Risk Factors for Latino Youth IV. Protective Factors in Latino Families V. Proposed Framework VI. Conclusion

Publication Date:

2005 /Vol. 86, No. 1

Authors

Mimi V. Chapman, MSW, PhD; Krista M. Parreira, PhD

About the Authors:

Assistant Professor School of Social Work University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Assistant Professor Dept. of Public Policy University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about Latino youth. It is appropriate for participants with all levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. describe a framework of practice guidelines that is proposed to guide helping professionals in assessing the needs of Latino youth.

2. summarize findings regarding the well-being of Latino youth on domains important to functioning later in life.

3. identify psychosocial risks that threaten the successful adaptation of Latino youth in immigrant families and the protective factors that facilitate their adaptation.