ReCAPP: Theories & Approaches

Challenges & Benefits in Using the
Youth Development Approach

Challenges include:

Shifting from a "fix-the-problem" approach to a positive focus on assets.
Changing ingrained negative views of adolescents.
Involving parents and community groups (imbedded networks) and getting on their radar.
Involving youth in meaningful (rather than token) ways.
Staying committed for the long haul and gearing programs and activities to "be there."
Attracting funding for more generic, asset-building approaches (rather than one problem, one solution).

Benefits include:

Positive outcomes for young people – more developmental assets, greater feelings of self-worth and belonging, better protection against risky behaviors, a safe passage to adulthood.
Positive views of young people from adults.
Increased "social capital" in communities (trust, reciprocity).
Less controversy associated with programs like adolescent pregnancy prevention.
Reduced incidence of adverse events (teen pregnancy, drug use, drinking and driving, poor school performance).
Satisfaction for youth-serving agency and staff of making a difference.