Basically.....podcasts can be your friend!

               Podcasts are digital audio files on the internet that can be downloaded to personal devices. This method can be helpful because in the realm of counseling, podcast can help counselors to discover how to use specific theories or techniques. One can think of podcast as audio YouTube videos. Also being that its over the Internet, podcast allow for cross cultural integration and awareness. For the purposes of this blog, I listed a 10 podcast that are related to at-risk youth circumstances and counseling. Along with the podcasts are some topics that can be help inform counselors how to address these youth, others give indicators that a youth might be "at-risk", while some provide information about what steps can be taken while in counseling sessions. Overall all the podcasts can b seen as helpful for counselors, parents, and/or any one who has repeated contact with at-risk youth.

               By selecting the Information tap above you'll be directed to the link. Today I'll discuss another podcast that is not on the list. This podcast by Ruben Austria gives advice for ways people can mentor at-risk youth. Although this can not be used in counseling, it will behove counselors to be knowledgeable about such methods as they may be able to consult for other organizations and advocate for mentorship. Rev. Austria is the Executive Director of Community Connections for Youth based out of Bronx, NY. According to CC-FY website, this is a "New-York based nonprofit organization, whose mission is to mobilize indigenous faith and neighborhood organizations to develop effective community-based alternative-to-incarceration programs for youth."  You can gather more information about Rev. Austria and his organization here: CC-FY. In his podcast, Rev Austria discusses his experience in urban environments, testimonies from other mentors and mentees, and positive results from monitorships. More importantly, Rev. Austria speaks to the mentors themselves. This is a great podcast because it enlightens mentors to reluctance of their at-risk youth, it encourages  mentors to be persistent and to come into their mentorship with unconditional positive regard! In addition Rev. Austria is speaking to biblical scholars such as pastors, youth leaders, and other spiritual leaders. With all that being said, here is the link that will take you directly to the podcast: Mentoring At-Risk Youth. Hope you enjoy!