Safe Youth 

THEORY OF CHANGE

Unresolved Trauma: Unresolved trauma among New American youth often manifests as chronic anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Many of these young people have endured adversity before, during, and after migration—such as violence, family separation, and cultural displacement—which can disrupt emotional regulation, identity formation, and trust in relationships. Without timely intervention, these effects may lead to behavioral challenges, academic struggles, and long-term health consequences, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability. Safe Youth project provides trauma-informed resources and culturally responsive support systems that are essential to help participating youth process their experiences and build resilience.

Misinformation: Social media misinformation poses a serious threat to the mental health of New American youth by spreading false or oversimplified narratives about emotions, coping strategies, and mental health conditions. Constant exposure to misleading content—such as romanticized portrayals of disorders or unverified advice—can lead to confusion, self-diagnosis, and delayed professional care. These harmful messages often amplify fear, normalize risky behaviors, and erode trust in credible sources, leaving young people vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and poor decision-making during critical stages of identity development.

Sociocultural Disconnect: Navigating between the values of their heritage culture and the expectations of a new society often leads to acculturative stress in New American youth, which is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. Language barriers, discrimination, and the loss of familiar social networks further compound this stress, making it harder for youth to form meaningful relationships and access support systems. Without culturally responsive interventions, these challenges can hinder emotional development and resilience, increasing the risk of long-term psychological distress.