This comprehensive training is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of youth violence as a public health crisis. By examining the root causes of violence—including individual, family, community, and societal influences—participants will learn how to use prevention theory and frameworks to inform culturally responsive and effective intervention strategies. The training explores both risk and protective factors, emphasizes the importance of youth voice and cultural relevance, and introduces models like SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework and the 5 Keys Reentry Model. Through this learning, participants are empowered to build trauma-informed, prevention-focused programming that supports the wellness and safety of youth and their communities.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Root Causes of Youth Violence:
   Participants will examine multiple forms of violence exposure (e.g., family conflict, media, community trauma), identify key risk factors, and explore real-life case studies to contextualize early indicators of violent behavior.

2. Applying Prevention Theories and Frameworks:
   The training introduces models such as the Diffusion of Innovations, Health Belief Model, and SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework to guide prevention planning, engagement, and strategy development with youth.

3. Centering Protective Factors and Cultural Inclusion:
   Participants will explore the role of protective factors and learn to design prevention strategies that honor community voice, cultural values, and the unique strengths of the populations they serve.

How This Training Will Help Participants:

By participating in this training, professionals will be better equipped to address youth violence with a proactive, evidence-based, and culturally responsive approach. The training empowers participants to shift from reactive responses to prevention-centered strategies by grounding their work in theory, data, and community wisdom. With a clearer understanding of the complexities behind youth violence—including mental health, socioeconomic conditions, and systemic inequities—participants will leave with practical tools for engagement, intervention design, and collaborative community efforts that prioritize safety, healing, and long-term youth development.