What might classify a juvenile as "AT RISK"?

A juvenile may be classified as "AT RISK" when they express suicidal thoughts because this indicates a significant concern for their mental health and safety. Suicidal ideation often stems from underlying issues such as emotional distress, trauma, or external pressures that exacerbate vulnerability. Recognizing and addressing these thoughts is crucial for intervention and support, making it a serious indicator of a youth's risk level.

While the other options could contribute to a juvenile's overall well-being, they do not inherently signal an immediate or critical risk that requires urgent attention. For example, simply being over 13 does not indicate vulnerability, as many adolescents in this age group lead normal lives without risk factors. Minor physical disabilities, while they can lead to challenges, do not automatically classify a juvenile as at risk unless they significantly impact their social or emotional health. Similarly, being a new resident in an area might pose challenges such as adjusting to a new environment or making new friends, but it does not directly correlate with being at risk in a critical sense. Thus, expressing suicidal thoughts stands out as a clear and urgent indicator of being at risk.