Submitted by Mary Ann Krems, PCAY
As summer comes to an end and for many involved in school, whether sending youth or attending yourself, you find new starts. In an unsettling fall with the news reports of increasing unemployment and financial challenges for families, Portage County Alliance for Youth wishes to offer for consideration, some positive views for connecting with youth in relationships.
Prevention is becoming more challenging as our federal government seems inclined to reduce funding in schools for prevention issues. However Developmental Assets which has been in existence for over 10 years has been a process that is researched based, effective and at no cost that, if developed, will result in youth who become mature, responsible and caring. SEARCH Institute at www.search-institute.org is the source of information on the assets which number 40 and can be addressed by anyone working with youth. Locally, our libraries in the community and schools have additional information they can share and support with you as you develop those relationships.
The categories of assets are Building External Assets of Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations and Constructive Use of Time. Building Internal Assets are Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies and Positive Identity.
In the coming months articles will cover how one can build those assets. In the meantime, parents and those who work with youth can check out www.mvparents.com, ParentingTips@TheAntiDrug.com, www.5MinutesforMom.com and www.2passthetorch.com. In addition, encourage youth to go to www.pcayouth.org to find activities and opportunities for service, sponsored by PCAY.
As parents and adults who work with youth, all hope that making good choices will happen. Research says that the more assets a youth has, the more likely it is that they will.
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