Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships
The Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships frameworks, designed by Search Institute, are evidence-based approaches the Council for Youth Development and our community partners are integrating throughout Bartholomew County.
The Developmental Assets
Research from Search Institute identifies 40 Developmental Assets® that have a powerful, positive impact on young people. Children and teenagers who have high levels of these assets get involved in fewer risky behaviors and are much more likely to exhibit the positive values, such as leadership, good health, diversity, and success in school. Read more about Search Institute Research on Developmental Assets.
The 40 Developmental Assets are divided into eight categories. The four external asset categories include supports, opportunities, and relationships young people need across all aspects of their lives. The four internal asset categories include the personal skills, commitments, and values they need to make good choices, take responsibility for their own lives, and be independent and fulfilled. Check out the Search Institute page on their Developmental Assets framework to learn more about the specific asset categories. On this page you can access free, downloadable Developmental Assets lists for four different age groups as well as lists in various different languages.
Everyone can be an asset builder for youth in our community
We believe everyone has an active role to play in supporting positive youth development across Bartholomew County. Take a few minutes to learn more about the power of community investment in young people and their families by watching our video series on Developmental Assets, created by CYD and local youth. These videos provide a clear explanation of how adults can support the different asset categories for youth in their lives.
Search Institute also defines five elements of relationships that have a powerful, positive impact on young people. These five elements make up their Developmental Relationship framework. Children and teenagers who have strong relationships are more resilient in the face of stress and trauma. Unfortunately, many young people do not have enough of these strong relationships with adults. About one in five young people do not have any strong Developmental Relationships present in their lives, according to Search Institute surveys. Read more about Search Institute Research on Developmental Relationships.
The Developmental Relationships framework is divided into 5 elements expressed in 20 specific actions that make relationships powerful in the lives of young people. Check out the Search Institute page on the Developmental Relationships framework to learn more about the specific elements and actions. On this page you can access a free, downloadable version of the Developmental Relationships framework.