The bottom line is that in order to work with high risk youth, peer educators need to provide a safe haven for the youths to be able to relax and feel comfortable in. There is a pertinent need for young people to feel safe in their environment. If their environment feels like the place these youth have run away from, chances are they won't feel safe to open up. They will continue to be on the defensive and will not trust anyone who may truly be there to offer help. Confidentiality and trust .
Confidentiality is another important one.
If a young mother is having a baby and is shooting drugs, she needs to feel safe with knowing that her business is confidential and will not be breached. She has to feel that sense of trust with her peer educator. When this trust is gained then she might feel the importance of making a change for the better. The progress may happen, but is may take some time. Incentives as motivation.