Trusted Adult
How to find One & How to be One
Youth suicide prevention
through connection
Concerned now?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: 741741
What is a Trusted Adult?
(adapted from the Vermont Network “Askable Adult Campaign – as shared by the National Council for Behavioral Health / Agents of Change newsletter)
A trusted adult is a person who is approachable and easy for youth to talk to about anything that is on their mind.
Trusted adults are committed to having strong, effective, and affirming relationships with youth using positive communication to develop trust and connectedness.
Qualities of adults who are trustworthy include patience, consistency, respectfulness, honesty, kindness, attentiveness, trustworthiness, lightheartedness, open-mindedness, non-judgment, and knowledgeability. Trusted adults may have a similar racial/ethnic or sexual identity as the young person, or common background experience.
Youth often want to talk to adults about their everyday lives and school and family struggles. They are eager to connect about drugs and alcohol; sexuality and gender; relationships, love and sex; abuse and divorce; college, jobs, money, cars and life skills.
How Does a Young Person Find a Trusted Adult?
Think Outside the Box
Here in Whatcom County:
Here in Whatcom County youth asked other Whatcom County youth to describe what an adult does to be considered a “trusted adult.” They said a trusted adult listens, shows up, believes them, and says “I’m here if you want me.”
How do you find a trusted adult?
Share your stories below about a trusted adult in your life.
Learn. Connect. Share
Making a difference starts here. Let’s stop suicide together.
Send a note to let us know if you would like to
• schedule a training
• learn more about how to be or find a Trusted Adult
• or get involved as a volunteer or community partner.
Send a note, or call 360-738-1196
Disclaimer: We are not a crisis response center and are not equipped to respond to crisis. We focus on prevention and do not check messages 24/7. If you or someone you know is in crisis please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
MAD – HOPE
making a difference – helping other people everywhere