SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR ADOLESCENTS AT RISK OF SCHOOL FAILURE

Social support, widely studied as a variable that positively affects t he adaptation of adolescents, is often less present in the lives of yo uths at risk of school failure. This study explores the social support of at-risk students, including who provides each of eight types of su pport, and the effects of particular types of social support on school performance outcomes. Results of analyses of data from students enrol led in Communities In Schools programs, indicate that parents and adul t caretakers ave major sources of social support for both middle and h igh school at-risk students. Analyses of school outcomes data indicate that particular types of social support ave associated With different desirable school outcomes. The article presents implications for soci al work practice and the development of intervention strategies to enh ance students' school performance and behavior.