NCJ Number
133992
Journal
Phi Delta Kappan Volume: 72 Issue: 8 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 619-622
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article argues for collaboration between schools and community-based youth organizations to prevent youths from developing socially dysfunctional behaviors such as substance abuse and irresponsible sexual behavior.
Abstract
The article first identifies those factors inherent in the structure, objectives, and operations of schools that prevent them from being sufficient by themselves to help youths develop adequate life-management skills. The article proposes that a collaboration between schools and community-based youth organizations is the most effective way to help youths avoid destructive behaviors. An example of such a program is the Youth Visions 2000 program in Alachua County, Fla. The staff and administration of the Boys Club of Alachua County, local school district personnel, and two faculty members from the College of Education of the University of Florida designed an after-school program for adolescents. The program structures a means for youth to help other youth in dealing with their problems. The program's primary goal is to improve adolescents' problemsolving, social, and leadership skills while expanding their knowledge of high-risk behavior and its consequences. The program shows evidence of success after 1 year of operation. 4 footnotes