Positive youth development is a prevention approach that emphasizes providing young people services and opportunities for youth that build on their assets and potential, and help to counter problems that may affect them.

Four identified keys to healthy development in youth are: a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of power.

Key elements of positive youth development are:

• Providing youth with safe and supportive environments
• Fostering relationships between youth and caring adults
• Providing young people with opportunities to pursue their interests and focus on their strengths
• Supporting the development of youths' knowledge and skills (tutoring, sports, arts, vocational education, service-learning)
• Engaging youth in community involvement
• Providing opportunities for youth to show they care - about others and society
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and teaching positive patterns of social interaction
• Providing a safety net when needed

Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services

Relevant Links

Connecticut Assets Network
Connecticut for Community Youth Development
Search Institute
United States Department of Health & Human Services - Positive Youth Development in the United States
United States Department of Health & Human Services - Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority