NCJ Number
150050
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 21-26
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on youth policy in the U.S., with an emphasis on Minnesota, and its implications for Australia.
Abstract
In the U.S., a country perceived as the epitome of individualism, theories of youth development in a community context are being written and implemented through legislation and funding. Most recent documents, including that developed by the Minnesota Action for Children Commission, begin with a vision that articulates the clearly defined goals of integrating young people into the community and using the community for the development of youth. Legislation for youth service programs can be classified as youth service and service learning, youth involvement and leadership, youth enrichment activities, youth community career connections, and youth support networks or services. Youth development plans generally strive for the attainment of five competencies: health/physical competence, personal/social competence, cognitive/creative competence, vocational competence, and citizenship competence. The author urges Australian policy makers to adopt a similar approach to community consciousness and a community agenda. 23 references