Contents

Resources

Positive Youth Development Programs

Positive youth development is the phrase used to refer to those programs that are informed by the empirical research in prevention which recognizes that the same set of individual, family, school, and community factors can predict both positive outcomes (e.g. success in school) and negative outcomes (e.g. school drop-out) among children and youth. 24 Positive youth development is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of programs, including many primary prevention programs that have their origins in the substance abuse prevention field.

There are a number of characteristics and qualities that appear to be protective for a range of youth social problem behaviours including: self-efficacy, personal agency, self-determination, and positive self-identity. These qualities can be facilitated and reinforced through the following:

  • Direct teaching and skill-building.
  • Cultivation of relationships that enable the expression of emotional, behavioural and social competence.
  • The development of opportunities for young people to experience meaningful connections with others and their communities.

Positive youth development programs and interventions are enhanced when they are implemented as part of an overall, comprehensive, community-wide youth suicide prevention effort. By simultaneously working to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors - within individuals and across social environments - program planners and service providers are embodying the principles of sound prevention practice thus enhancing the possibilities for positive future change.

Implementation Ideas and Tools

An online Positive Youth Development Resource Manual which includes training activities, instructions, facilitation tips, handouts, brief power point presentations and references to other positive youth development resources is available through the Assets Coming Together (ACT) for Youth Center of Excellence.

For a list of additional resources, including books, published articles and websites relevant to positive youth development, click here.