Youth Development

According to Pittman and Cahill (1992), positive youth development is "the ongoing process in which all young people are engaged in meeting their physical, personal, and social needs and in building a set of skills and competencies that seem useful in their present lives and in the future" (p. 32.1).

Pittman and Cahill (1991) list the specific needs and competencies of youth development:

"Needs:

• Safety and structure

• Belonging and group membership

• Self-worth and the ability to contribute

• Self-awareness and the ability to reflect and assess

• Independence and control over one's life

• Closeness, with at least one lasting relationship with an adult

• Competence and mastery

• Self-awareness

Competencies:

• Health: Good current health status and evidence of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will assure future well-being (for example, exercise, good nutrition and effective contraceptive practices).

• Personal/Social: Interpersonal skills (an ability to understand emotions and practice self-discipline), interpersonal skills (such as working with others, developing and sustaining friendships through cooperation, empathy, and negotiation), judgment skills, and a coping system.

• Knowledge, Reasoning, and Creativity: A broad base of knowledge and an ability to appreciate and demonstrate creative expression. Good oral, written, problem-solving skills, and an ability to learn. Interest in life-long learning and achieving.

• Vocational: A broad understanding and awareness of life options and the steps to take in making choices. Adequate preparation for work and family life. An understanding of the value and purpose of family, work, and leisure.

• Citizenship: Understanding of their nation's, their community's and their racial, ethnic, or cultural group's history and values. Desire to be ethical and to be involved in efforts that contribute to the broader good." (p. 9)

Youth development is an approach that goes beyond traditional prevention, intervention, and treatment of dangerous behaviors and problems. Instead of distinguishing between "youth at risk" or "high-risk youth," youth development builds competence, involvement, and connections to the larger society for all young people. Instead of focusing on what to avoid and what not to do, positive youth development does just what it says--it gives young people something to say yes to.

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