Mark (Age 17), talking about his experience at KidsChange agency, Ely Community Resource: "If I make a mistake, [the people at ECR] don't turn their backs on me like a lot of other people in my life did. . My family's messed up - lots of drinking and fighting. ECR won't let me blame my behavior on my family. Hey, my parents are just making the same mistakes their parents made. But, it stops here with me - I'm not a victim. I'm making the changes to make my life better."   Youth Trouble can come from many directions. Life isn't easy! There is pressure everywhere you turn. Sometimes you, or a friend, need someone to step-in and help figure things out. If you've made a mistake, and got into some trouble or things are getting worse in your life, KidsChange agencies are here to help. Issues at school, home, with family or friends or other issues such as drug use or legal trouble can be pretty overwhelming. These organizations have caring adults that are very willing to talk to you. You can search information on this site based by where you live, what's going on, and who you are. There are a variety of programs out there and people who understand what you may be facing. You can go to GET HELP NOW to connect directly to a program in your area for your situation. Parent A KidsChange agency can help when you need it most. Seeking advice from an experienced early intervention youth service provider when your child is beginning to get into trouble is the right choice to make. It's easy to say: "He's just a kid," or "She'll grow out of it," but the best advice is to ask for advice or help before things get worse. If you are unsure about how you are handling things right now our area is rich in resources to help you... and this KidsChange Web site can help research, review and choose just the right intervention program for your situation. From time to time we offer training sessions for parents. These are typically held in the evening at a time that is most convenient for you. Topics are designed to give you valuable information and strategies for addressing your greatest needs. Target Corporation sponsors our training programs so all parents, regardless of income, can participate. We do not charge a fee for these events. Check out trainings to find out more. You can go to GET HELP NOW to connect directly to a program in your area for your situation. Professional Youth service professionals need a resource to turn to. You have a youth in hand and need some resources to get them the help they need. There are a range of programs that provide mentoring, counseling, conflict resolution, anger management, diversion, and education. KidsChange is a central hub of resources and information that can help direct you to programs that are available by area, type of service, and age. You can check out the different services areas on the site, or you can go to GET HELP NOW to connect directly to a program you need. "Having a place where officers in the field can go and find resources in the community for a youth in hand is a powerful tool."      Lt. Bryan Schafer      Commander, Juvenile Unit      Minneapolis Police Department When you support early Youth Intervention Programs in your community, we all change for the better.

Aisha was in foster care from age 3 to 18. At 14, she said, she was having problems in her foster home and beginning to skip school. She was referred to Bolder Options. "It went from me being alone and not feeling like anyone really cared to having a group of people who cared about my life and how I was doing in school."