Secure, trusting bonds are essential if young people are to grow, learn, and thrive. But millions of modern youth are disconnected, struggling in overstressed families, depersonalized schools, and violent communities. Those most vulnerable because of maltreatment display behavior that increases their alienation from caring adults. How do adults engage detached and adult-wary youth? In this article, the author draws on resilience research and personal experience growing up in a high-risk environment to highlight strategies to reach youth who distrust adults.