Language and cultural barriers place many low-income immigrant youth
at-risk for failure in school and juvenile delinquency. Adolescent
immigrant youth are especially vulnerable to developmental and social
issues that arise during teen years, in addition to the particular
stresses and problems confronted by newly-arrived immigrant families.
The
frustrating demands of surviving in a new country, and socio-economic,
cultural, as well as language barriers that block pathways to success
require positive avenues of transition. Overcoming language, cultural
and social barriers and assisting adolescents to attain work is made
possible through federal and state funded programs designed especially
to address these matters. Without a targeted youth services program,
immigrant youth will continue to fall through the cracks of society and
the lack of assistance during the early transition stages may for many
end up in a needless life struggle perpetuated through several
generations. A strong positive correlation exists between adolescent
positive youth acculturation to their adopted country, and future
accomplishments in their personal, emotional, and chosen professional
careers as a result of transitional successes and after school
counseling support.
These programs contract for
bilingual services for at-risk immigrant youth that will assist them
with (1) overcoming cultural and language barriers in school, at home,
and in their communities; (2) improving their understanding of an
adaptation to American life and culture; and (3) preparing older youth
(adolescents) to enter the workforce.
