NCJ Number
206311
Date Published
July 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report describes State youth development strategies that have been proven effective in improving outcomes for at-risk youth.
Abstract
In the United States there are approximately 9.2 million to 15.8 million at-risk children who are more likely to become pregnant, use drugs or alcohol, drop out of school, be unemployed, and engage in acts of violence than other youth. It is important to reach out to youth during this crucial period of psychological and physical development in order to reduce their risk and encourage positive development. Research has identified effective program principles and approaches to working with at-risk youth; the most successful program models have been identified as holistic approaches that encourage positive development; collaborative efforts that involve multiple youth agencies; approaches that involve family, peers, and the community in treatment; enhanced interaction opportunities between adults and youth, such as through mentoring and work-based learning; and community-service and service-learning approaches. These new approaches represent a movement away from remediation to prevention and from targeting only at-risk youth to targeting all youth. The new youth development approaches focus on building the strengths of youth, rather than on problem behaviors, and they happen within the context of the community, rather than in the context of a treatment facility. The youth development polices of four States, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York, are highlighted. Although program specifics vary, each State strives to enhance collaboration between State and local government in the development and implementation of youth programs; build on the success of existing programs and collaborations; put forth a statewide policy and understanding of youth development; offer statewide training programs that incorporate best practices of youth development; engage youth in the planning process; and assess results. The specific initiatives and activities in each State are described and contact information is provided for additional information. Table, endnotes