Building Assets Reducing Risks was implemented by teachers, counselors, and administrators who drew from two highly respected, research-based theoretical approaches to youth development: risk/protective prevention factors and the Developmental Assets® framework. In addition to its research-based framework, Building Assets Reducing Risks is validated by 13 years of demonstrated outcomes.
Research-Based Framework
Developmental Assets are factors critical for young people’s successful growth and development. The research identifies 40 Developmental Assets® or building blocks that young people need for developing healthy, responsible, and caring characteristics. The more assets young people experience, the more they engage in positive behaviors such as succeeding in school. Conversely, those with fewer assets are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol use, antisocial behavior, or violence. (Benson, 1999)
Risk and protective factor-focused prevention is based on the premise that to prevent a problem from happening, we need to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing and then find ways to reduce that risk. At the same time, we must identify those factors that buffer individuals from the risk factors present in their environments and find ways to increase the protection. (Hawkins and Catalano, 2002)
Demonstrated outcomes
The interlocking, research-based strategies of Building Assets Reducing Risks encourage learning and development of all students by promoting caring relationships, high expectations, and opportunities for participation. The program was implemented at St. Louis Park High School in Minnesota in 1999, with 13 years of demonstrated outcomes showing increased academic achievement and reduced failure rates.
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