Youth development is an approach that helps children and youth become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. It focuses on the positive characteristics of young people, rather than deficits. Youth development strategies build internal and external assets in children and youth, helping them develop resilience and strengths that are necessary to help prevent problems such as drug use, violence, pregnancy, and school failure. Youth Development promotes life and academic success. Research documents the connection between assets and indicators of academic achievement. This is not a program, but a perspective that provides a lens for our work with young people and harnesses their powers as resources to themselves and others.
The key to this approach is based on the development of positive relationships and connections among students and adults, students and students, students and school and students and communities. When children and youth receive the support and opportunity for bonding and growth in a caring environment, they show significant improvement in social behavior, academic achievement, and school success.
Under the leadership of the San Mateo County Office of Education's Prevention Coordinator, in collaboration with community based organizations, law enforcement, governmental agencies, and other non-profit groups supporting youth, a countywide plan for implementation of youth development approaches and activities is currently a reality.
The Prevention Education Coordinator supports this work by:
- Providing leadership and vision to collaborative efforts in youth development through such groups as the San Mateo County Prevention Coordinator's Action Team;
- Hosting conferences and workshops on basic and advanced concepts of Developmental Assets;
- Offering district/school teams technical assistance to move into the Implementation Phase;
- Maintaining resource materials that can be reviewed or borrowed by community and school groups.
Contact Person:
Duke Williams - Prevention Coordinator
Phone: (650) 802-5342
Fax: (650) 802-5622
Email: dwilliams@smcoe.k12.ca.us