NCJ Number
199679
Date Published
December 2002
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This document examines the lessons learned during the implementation of the Community Change for Youth Development (CCYD), an approach to build and sustain positive youth development.
Abstract
The five core concepts of CCYD are adult support and guidance, gap activities, work as a developmental tool, youth involvement in decision-making, and support through transitions. Lesson 1 was that it is possible to implement and sustain a neighborhood-wide youth development initiative, based on a common substantive framework, in resource-poor neighborhoods. Lesson 2 was that a set of research-based core concepts is extremely useful in helping communities generate consensus around what to do, move quickly to action, and stay on track. Lesson 3 was that it takes local leadership with credibility, resources, and commitment to partner with residents, get results within a reasonable period of time, and sustain a youth development effort. Lesson 4 indicated that variation and flexibility are essential to integrating residents into the program. Lesson 5 was that local infrastructure and previous programming experience play a critical role. Lesson 6 was that older and higher-risk youth are more difficult to attract and required targeted outreach. Lesson 7 was that it is critical to distinguish between youth involvement and youth leadership strategies and to provide adults with the training they need. Lesson 8 was that large-scale initiatives need a structured approach to assessing program quality on an ongoing basis. Lesson 9 was that placed-based initiatives couldn’t draw a fence around a neighborhood. Lesson 10 was that researching community initiatives may require new strategies, including closer engagement and timely, ongoing communication between researchers and sites. 5 tables, 13 endnotes, appendix