Every Officer Should Be Trained to Interact with Youth

Youth encounters call for specialized training and clear policy.

Officers meet young people every day, in schools, on the street, and in moments of crisis. Most were never trained in how adolescent development shapes behavior and responses to authority.
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Why Youth-Specific Training Matters

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Most Officers Aren’t Trained for Youth Encounters

Officers are expected to manage complex youth interactions with no preparation or understanding of developmental and behavioral differences. Despite how often these encounters happen, youth-specific training is rarely part of standard instruction. That leaves officers and young people in difficult situations, and officers deserve the tools to handle them well.
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Without youth-specific training:

  • Youth behavior can be misinterpreted under stress
  • Encounters can escalate unnecessarily
  • Risk increases for both officers and young people
  • Officers deserve access to the knowledge and tools that prepare them for these interactions.

Training Programs for Law Enforcement

Policing the Teen Brain® for Officers

Our flagship training on how adolescent brain development shapes behavior and responses to authority, with practical strategies to interpret youth behavior and respond in ways that improve safety.

For: Officers and trainers · Length: 2 days · On-site

LEARN ABOUT PTB®

Policing the Teen Brain® in School

For school resource officers, campus security, and any officer responding to school calls. Covers engaging students safely, responding to behavioral challenges, and navigating relevant MOUs and state laws on policing in schools.

For: SROs, school safety and campus security personnel · Length: 3 days · On-site

LEARN ABOUT PTB® In School

Policing the Teen Brain One Day Training

A condensed version of the signature curriculum that introduces adolescent development and how to assert authority effectively with youth.

For: Officers · Length: 1 day · On-site or virtual

LEARN ABOUT THE ONE DAY TRAINING

Best-Practice Guides for Youth Encounters

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Practical guides on youth interaction, developmental considerations, and school-based encounters:

Youth interaction best practices
Developmental considerations for officers
Guidance for school-based encounters

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Training Works Best with Clear Policy

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Policy sets consistent expectations for youth encounters and protects the rights and safety of youth and officers alike. SFY helps agencies build it and institutionalize best practices across the department.
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Trusted by Officers Nationwide

Acadamies spend
<0%
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total training hours on juvenile justice issues
In 2023
0%
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of petitioned youth were not found delinquent.
"I couldn’t be more happy that Strategies for Youth came into my life because it changed me as a person, as a police officer and as a father."

- Lt. Brian Lowe

Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office

Bring Youth-Specific Training to Your Department

Every youth encounter is a defining moment. Handled well, it builds trust and safety in a community.
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