All Children Thrive!

40 Developmental Assets Positive experiences, relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring and responsible.

Based on research of the Search Institute in USA – Researchers cumulatively surveyed over 3 million 6-12th graders Identified 40 factors which are critical to positive child and youth development Youth with higher amount of assets have lower levels of risk behaviours

Number of Assets: Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets: Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets: Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets: Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets: * “Physically active” is defined as 90 mins or more of activity, 5 or more days per week Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets: Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10

Number of Assets:

Source : Halton Youth Survey 2009/10 Number of Assets:

17 Assets are for all! Assets have power for all children and youth, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity The average young person experiences fewer than half of the 40 assets, and boys experience an average of three fewer assets than girls

Two Types of Assets External Relationships and opportunities that young people experience in their families, schools, and communities Internal Competencies and values that youth develop internally to guide behaviors and choices

Developmental Assets external The first four asset categories focus on external structures, relationships and activities that create a positive environment for young people.

1.Support - need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate and accept. 2.Empowerment - need to feel valued and valuable. This happens when they feel safe and respected. 3.Boundaries and Expectations - need clear rules, consistent consequences for breaking rules and encouragement to do their best. 4.Constructive Use of Time - need opportunities to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults.

Developmental Assets internal A community also needs to nurture the internal qualities that guide choices and create a sense of purpose and focus.

1. Commitment to Learning - need a sense of the lasting importance of learning and a belief in their own abilities. 2.Positive Values - need to develop strong guiding values or principles to help them make healthy life choices. 3.Social Competencies - need the skills to interact effectively to make difficult decisions, and to cope with new situations. 4.Positive Identity - need to believe in their own self-worth and to feel that they have control over the things that happen to them.

The Asset-Building Difference From  Prescribed Programs  Incidental  Problems  Troubled kids  Work of professionals To  Relationships  Intentional  Strengths  All kids  Everyone’s job

Working Together hift From  Experimental  Project Focused  Shifting messages  Cooperation  Quick Fix To  Evidence based  Comprehensive  Consistency  Partnership  Ongoing

Key messages All kids need assets. Everyone can build assets. Relationships are key. Asset building is an ongoing process. Consistent messages are crucial. Repetition is important.

Resources

Thank you Search Institute! Slides 4-5, 16, used with permission as part of the Essentials of Asset Building Training of Trainers workshop. Copyright © 2008 by Search Institute, ,

All Children Thrive!