University of Washington

in dangerous behaviors, including using drugs and alcohol. Also important are parenting classes for young adults, with refresher courses as their children grow and move into different developmental stages. And lastly, programs and planning is needed for the "invisible" young adults in each community, those who drop out from school and for whom college is not a current option. This group is at high risk for substance abuse, crime and depression. Summit participants discussed the challenges or barriers that many Native young adults face. A more mobile lifestyle has resulted in many young adults not knowing grandparents, aunties, uncles and other extended family members. Many may not know how to have healthy adult relationships, and may not have the skills to deal with "bad relationships." Making mistakes has a greater cost as a young adult, with generally higher consequences. And there may be reduced motivation to pursue and attain life goals due to tribal per capita payments. Education and employment present their own challenges. Young adults may feel increased pressure from family and community to succeed, while others may want to go to college but feel conflicted because their family needs them to stay home and help. If they do go to college, they may feel isolated and alone, and not know how or where to ask for help. Once college is completed, some are unable to return home because of lack of jobs or not feeling welcome. Many Native young adults aren't enrolled in a tribe or have tribal identification, and are therefore unable to access employment assistance programs. Lastly, it can be difficult for some young adults with felonies, or who do not pass drug testing, to find employment. Discussants offered many suggestions for helping to improve the health and well-being of young adults in local Native communities. These included supporting and encouraging young adults through the transition into adulthood, and helping them to connect with good role models, helpful resources and healthy networks that can continue to support them as they leave home. Participants emphasized the importance of education around key issues such as health care access, career and academic options, goal planning, financial management, healthy relationships, and substance abuse and its risks. Acknowledging that most young adults want to feel connected and important, many stressed the importance of providing opportunities for young adults to help their Elders and tribal community, and serve as mentors to younger tribal members. All agreed that one of the most critical things at this developmental stage is the opportunity to access, and be successful at, meaningful work — whether subsistence or a professional career. Helping young adults achieve education and career goals, find an important place in their community, and maintain their internal motivation to succeed are all of paramount importance. Many more suggestions and other items (concerns, challenges, strengths and needs) are listed below. Promising programs and practices, both formal and informal, are also included. CONCERNS •Not many programs for this age group and they can end up "off the radar." •Young adults may become disconnected from home, community and culture when they leave for college or career. •Young adults who don't complete college may feel sense of failure and isolation. •Some may lose a sense of direction and motivation, and may begin or increase use of drugs and alcohol. •For tribes with per capita, young adults may not be adequately prepared to manage per capita funds when they receive them. •Young adults who don't have a home and find themselves "bouncing around from house to house." •Although it's a time of transitioning into independent adulthood, some are coming back home, sometimes for the "wrong reasons" (loss of job, incarceration, substance abuse, etc.). •Sometimes young adults must be "kicked out" of their family home due to dangerous behavior, often related to drugs and alcohol. •May not have the appropriate life skills to transition into adulthood, e.g. financial literacy and planning, job seeking skills, work ethic, etc. PA R T I C I PA N T Q U O T E "That's one of the most significant things that kids can do is have meaningful jobs, meaningful work, a motivation to be successful. So, I would like to figure out a way to help people decide earlier what kind of career they want. Whether it is like a fourweek shadowing, job shadowing, paid or unpaid." Summary Report: April 4-5, 2012 23

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