Because of changes in welfare eligibility, the education system, and employment and training opportunities, it has become more likely that young people who have had difficulty with the mainstream schooling system and who face a lack of employment options will end up in adult education. Educators in the adult education classroom have an opportunity to make this a valuable experience for these young people. Factors for educators in these settings to consider are the following: the stages of adolescent development; risk and resilience factors; and how to apply an understanding of risk and resilience to an educational setting. Educational practices that may prove positive include the following: (1) see any interaction as an opportunity; (2) take a caring, friendly, open and unhurried approach; (3) listen to the young person and provide positive feedback; (4) acknowledge and compliment them for turning up, discussing sensitive issues, and making an effort; (5) positively reframe; (6) model respect for the young person's life experience and insight; and (7) lend firm, fair, and consistent control. (KC)