How do you keep kids fastened to the social fabric?

The ties that bind have come undone.  

It’s a common thread we notice in many of the Teens we serve. Our goal is to re-establish these bonds and keep Kids fastened to the social fabric. Because when Teens feel connected to school, home, and community, they never come to define themselves as homeless.  

Today, we’ll provide an overview of the importance of social bonds, why they’re vital to solving youth homelessness, and what we’re doing at RAFT to help enforce these connections. 

The Importance of the Social Fabric 

Social connectedness influences everything. Our mind, body, and behaviour are all by-products resulting from our social capital.  

By nature, humans are social beings, and historically this has been vital to our survival. Because of this, these connections play a vital role throughout all stages of life. However, it’s during adolescence that these innate connections bear the most weight.

In these formative years, Teens experience periods of social and emotional development that can leave them feeling unsure of where to go next. In an attempt to form their own personal and social identity, they pull away from primary caregivers and the connections they secure with their peer groups become more important. 

At this time emotional development may also heighten their emotions, prompting them to feel more sensitive and/or stressed.  

Positive social connections come together to weave a blanket of security that aids Teens in becoming their best selves. Family, friends, schools, communities. The more connections, the better.  

When supported by positive, stable connections, Youth experience increased resilience, a stronger ability to cope with difficult situations, improved self-esteem, and improved feelings of acceptance and belonging.  

A recent study shows that having quality interpersonal relationships serves as a protective factor and can even be a ‘social cure’ for mental health and well-being.  

With strong connections to school, home, and community, Teens feel comfortable trying new things and in turn, develop new skills and build confidence.  

Social Capital and Youth Homelessness 

Social connections and Youth homelessness. In a way, they themselves are intertwined.  

When healthy and stable, attachments allow Kids to feel safe and secure. But when Teens have no connections or they’re of poor quality, they often feel they have no choice but to be on their own. 

Research indicates that diverse social networks are common among homeless and at-risk youth. The makeup of such networks may be complex and inconsistent in terms of promoting positive paths and reducing risk factors. Some studies accredit family members for providing both emotional and practical support, whereas other studies place greater weight on individuals outside the Youth’s social network (such as mentors with relatable experiences) as main sources of support.  

However, there is one thing research appears to agree on. The quality, rather than quantity, of attachments is pivotal. Research reveals that relationships that specifically focus on Youth empowerment are key to preventing Teen homelessness.  

By encouraging and supporting Youth to develop and maximize healthy relationships with family members, home-based peers, and case managers we can help them improve their self-esteem, decision-making, and behaviour.  

It doesn’t matter where these valuable connections arise. Keeping Teens connected to quality Attachments reduces the risk of Youth homelessness.  

The RAFT– Keeping Kids Fastened to the Social Fabric  

It’s not enough to just say that relationships matter. At The RAFT, repairing and reinforcing essential human bonds is what we do. Everything our Attachment Experts do builds security stability, and stability.

AT RAFT we offer a number of programs aimed at Attaching kids to themselves and to others. Because in our years working with thousands of Teens, we’ve noticed that incredible things happen when Teens are given the Attachment tools to feel safe and secure.  

Through both our Youth Reconnect and Eternal Routes programs we help Teens cultivate connections amongst family and within the community.  

Our Youth Reconnect program concentrates on keeping Kids connected to school. Our Attachment Experts work alongside Teachers and Teens to find a convenient way for Teens to continue their education.  

Our Eternal Routes program focuses on re-establishing lost or forgotten connections. We work directly with Teens to reconnect them to their extended family where they can be supported and respected.  

To learn more about our unique approach to ending Youth homelessness, reach out today.  

Attachment Is The Answer.