| The study examines the associations between self-reported risk behaviors and both intrapersonal and interpersonal protective factors in an effort to identify assets that may contribute to resilience among maltreated youth in Child Protective Services. Methods. Using secondary data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being, a series of logistic regressions and chi-square analyses were used to determine the relationship between four developmental assets and four risk behaviors among a sample of 1593 adolescents aged 11-18. Results. Maltreated youth with support, specifically more perceived family support, and some perception of positive identity were less likely to report substance use and HIV-risk behaviors. Of the positive identity assets, those maltreated youth with more self-esteem were less likely to report substance use behaviors. Conclusions. Maltreated youth may be more resilient and avoid more risk behaviors if they feel they are a part of a real family and perceive family support. This is especially important when dealing with children who are placed in an out-of-home care situation, such as foster care, and living with alternative or substitute families. |
