Adolescence is a critical period of development which has profound implications for adult well-being. Research has shown that adolescence is the "second wave of significant brain growth and development" (after early childhood development) and a time characterized by prefrontal cortex development, changes in dopamine levels, and pruning of unused neural connections.
This presents a number of opportunities whereby the brain can rewire and create new neural connections, and, with positive experiences and relationships, even counteract some of the effects of previous trauma.
As part of this period of brain development, youth also undergo significant changes in their way of thinking, and are able to engage in more advanced reasoning and problem solving processes. However, research indicates that a lack of adult support puts youth at risk.
Access to an adult support network during this period is a key factor in determining outcomes for youth. Without it, youth may struggle to develop sophisticated decision-making strategies and other life skills, engage in risk behaviours, and encounter significant challenges during the transition to adulthood.
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