To help parents get their children through some challenging years with proper guidance, Catholic Charities of Arizona is offering a program designed to help teens transition into adulthood.

“The teen and tween years are tricky to navigate,” the agency posted on Facebook this week when detailing the program. “Big feelings and changing bodies can cause insecurities and uncertainty. North Star Youth Partnership (NSYP), a program of Catholic Charities, gives teens the tools and education needed to successfully enter adulthood.” 

Catholic Charities of Arizona noted that its North Star Youth Partnership program is offered to teens in Maricopa, Yavapai and Coconino counties and helps them develop healthy habits in order to avoid substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and gang activity. The program aims to help teens build self confidence, make decisions responsibly and develop useful life skills. 

One driving force behind the program is the attempt to keep children from falling into the grips of mental health challenges.

Many American teens and children struggle with mental health disorders, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows. Approximately 5.8 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety, while 2.7 million children have been diagnosed with depression. Among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, 36.7% reported persistent feelings of hopelessness or sadness, 4.1% struggled with a substance abuse disorder, and 18.8% had seriously considered attempting suicide. 

People struggling with depression are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, but substance abuse can make depression symptoms even worse; WebMD said. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that approximately 20% of people with mood disorders such as depression have also developed a substance abuse disorder. 

Catholic Charities of Arizona offers children constructive options to help them get through some tough developmental years.