NCJ Number
160585
Date Published
1994
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of the importance of providing positive community-based activities for youth, this booklet describes a few such programs and then provides recommendations for the development of these programs.
Abstract
The booklet opens with a challenge to families, schools, and community organizations to develop opportunities for youth to experience social interactions and engage in activities that make positive contributions to their own development in becoming productive adults while serving the community. The programs described focus on summer youth employment, substance abuse treatment and prevention, AIDS education, sports and recreation, the performing arts, involvement in a children's museum program, youth participation in government planning for youth, and church- based tutoring. Recommendations for program goals focus on the various components of youth development: health and physical well-being, personal and social competence, cognitive and educational competence, preparation for work, and leadership and citizenship. Further, recommendations for activities and participation are provided for the key partners in youth development: families, schools, health agencies, higher education and research institutions, businesses, public and private funders, government, and the media. Ten organizations are listed as resources for youth professionals and citizens who are developing or expanding their programs during the out-of-school hours.