Youth Villages expert warns that while AI chatbots can offer support, their growing influence on youth mental health raises concerns about misinformation, emotional dependency, and the need for stronger safeguards.
Blog Articles
Is Your Child Struggling With a Transition? Here’s What a Psychologist Recommends
Discover why some kids find transitions especially tough and learn therapist-backed tips to help them navigate change with confidence and calm.
My voice, my journey
No child dreams of being in foster care. A loving, stable family is the standard we all hope for. But not every child is born into ideal circumstances.
Beyond the screen: 8 ways to monitor your child using AI for mental health
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this epidemic affecting our communities. According to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, suicide became the second-leading cause of death in the United States for teens and young adults ages 10-34
Backpack Heroes helps 1,300 youth across New England start school prepared
For many families served by Youth Villages, the back-to-school season brings more worry than joy: Do I pay rent or buy school supplies? Fill the gas tank or purchase a new backpack? For caregivers already stretched thin, the growing list of school supplies can feel overwhelming.
ChatGPT is not a substitute for therapy, especially for kids
In an era where technology is at our fingertips 24/7, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice and emotional support.
Update: Here’s a report from two of our Lived Experience Grant recipients
Over the past two years, Youth Villages supported eight nonprofit organizations led by individuals with lived experience in child welfare systems who are improving outcomes for transition-age young people through programming, advocacy and systems reform.
Want to improve outcomes for young adults leaving foster care? Here’s the playbook…
Despite some advances in support, young people who leave foster care at 18 continue to face critical challenges, including barriers to stable housing, access to basic assistance, opportunities for quality jobs and consistent educational support.
5 Mississippi youth courts receive grants from New Allies
Youth courts in Bolivar, Marion, Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties in Mississippi will be able to provide a range of innovative supports and evidence-based services to families through funding from New Allies, the consulting and technical assistance initiative of Youth Villages.
Map2Impact – Child welfare leaders make critical funding decisions every day. Here’s a new way to make those investments count.
Researcher Fred Wulczyn doesn’t have a crystal ball, but he believes a new initiative with Youth Villages may help child welfare leaders see a better future for their systems – and chart a course to get there.