Promoting Positive Youth Development: An Investment in Youth & Communities

Who's Promoting Positive Youth Development?

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), of HHS, is exploring how to promote the Positive Youth Development approach.

To that end, the ACF is working with numerous other Federal agencies, national organizations, and communities that believe this approach is the most cost-effective and ethical way to help young people become independent and engaged citizens.

These organizations and communities are providing young people with opportunities to learn and contribute that will assist them in focusing on the future.

In turn, young people's vision for their future helps prevent their involvement in problem behaviors and assists them in overcoming challenging situations.

When young people are provided with opportunities, they become positively involved in community life as employees, volunteers, and good neighbors.

• Treatment providers can engage adolescent treatment recipients in service to others, which helps them gain a sense of belonging and usefulness while they are addressing the consequences of past challenges.
  
• Teachers and school administrators can examine policies, procedures, and teaching methods to ensure that they engage young people in ways that build on their strengths while teaching them how their behavior affects others.
  
• Faith-based institutions can encourage congregations to involve young people in community activities.
  
• Parents can learn more about the changes that accompany the adolescent lifestage and strive to engage their children in activities that help them feel competent, useful, part of a community, and in control of their futures.

What Do Youth Need to Develop Positively? >>