NCJ Number
158967
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video uses a combination of lecture, graphics, and interpretive comments to explain 30 assets that constitute positive child and youth development and proposes a communitywide strategy for promoting these assets.
Abstract
Dr. Peter Benson, the president of Search Institute, uses charts to outline the 30 building blocks for youth development. Search Institute developed these assets from in-depth surveys of thousands of youths. The "developmental assets" are divided into two categories: external assets and internal assets. External assets are subdivided into those that pertain to support, control, and time use. Assets related to support include family support, parents as social resources, parental communication, and a positive school climate. Assets related to control include parental standards, discipline, performance monitoring, and positive peer influence. Structured time use consists of involvement in music, school, community, and church or synagogue. Internal assets are subdivided into assets that pertain to educational commitment, positive values, and social competence. After describing the assets, Dr. Benson advises that the Search Institute recommends that a youth have a minimum of 25 of the assets. Throughout the country, the average youth has only 16 of the 30 assets. A graph shows that youth with fewer than 25 of the assets are at varying risk of alcohol abuse and antisocial behavior, with the risk increasing as the number of assets decrease. Dr. Benson then describes a three-step program for increasing developmental assets in youth. The steps are to mobilize all citizens, develop an asset plan, and coordinate efforts to build assets. Comments on the concept of asset building and a communitywide program of asset building are offered by students, a chief of police, parents, a minister, and educators. A discussion and activity guide accompanies the video.