Chapter 4, Section 1: The Role of Staff in the Lives of Adolescents

The impact staff can have on the lives of adolescents is not to be underestimated. Programs for teens have the potential to foster trust between adult staff and adolescents (Klindera & Pagiliaro, 2001), which is essential if teens at risk for pregnancy are to receive help and support from adults. Teenagers are constantly watching adult behavior and learning from it how they are to view themselves and the world around them. Staff who work with adolescents can have tremendous influence on the lives of their adolescent clients.

It is because of this responsibility that staff must be extremely aware of the messages sent by their words and behavior. In terms of programmatic impact, adolescents will be more likely to be open and receptive if staff are enthusiastic and involved, as well as respectful toward all participants. In addition, staff must be willing to address disrespectful or inappropriate behaviors of adolescents with consistency and firmness. Adolescents will generally respond positively to being held to standards of behavior, especially when they help create the standards by which they are asked to live (Huebner, 1998).

Research Demonstrates

The following are some key points regarding what staff may want to keep in mind when working with adolescents.

• Create and maintain boundaries (Huebner, 1998). Teens respond well to knowing the rules or boundaries within which they can operate.
• Be available to offer guidance and support (Huebner, 1998). While adults may not have all the answers, they do have the ability to help teenagers explore various ways to approach life situations. When addressing pregnancy prevention, role-plays, hypothetical discussions, and chances to practice communication skills are invaluable in preparing teenagers for “real world” situations.
• Evaluate your own prejudices and values in efforts to be nonjudgmental toward your participants (Holmes, Heckel, & Gordon, 1991). It is important to be able to listen to adolescents and encourage open discussion. Because staff may have different values and experiences from the adolescents they work with, it is important that they explore their own values and beliefs in order to remain nonjudgmental in working with adolescents.