Fact Sheet 99-72 Promoting Positive Development In Your Youth Programs

Today, youth are exposed to a variety of alarming risk behaviors that include youth violence, teen pregnancy, school dropout, and substance abuse. Traditionally, organizations, schools, and communities have conducted programs that seek to prevent or reduce particular risk behaviors. For example, a church program might conduct a smoking prevention class that attempts to reduce youth tobacco use. More recently, research has suggested that a more effective approach is to provide programs and activities that encourage positive development in youth (Werner & Smith, 1992; Schinke, Botvin, & Orlandi, 1991). Positive youth development is highly related to a decreased likelihood of involvement with all types of risk behaviors (Quinn, 1995). Youth who have experienced positive development have the following characteristics: • Feel physically and emotionally safe; • Feel belonging and ownership; • Feel a strong sense of self-worth; • Have experienced quality relationships with peers and adults; • Have the opportunity to discuss and decide upo