Working together to build assets

 What is the Search Institute?  What are Developmental Assets?  Why are assets important?

 Non-profit organization  Mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities.  40 Developmental Assets – qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

 Problem-centered approach ◦ Anticipates the worst ◦ Concentrates on kids at risk or in trouble ◦ Reacts to problems after they happen ◦ Stresses competition  Asset-building approach ◦ Brings out the best ◦ Benefits all children and teens ◦ Builds character, skills, and values that help prevent problems ◦ Stresses cooperation and collaboration

 Divided into 8 areas of human development  Support  Empowerment  Boundaries and expectations  Constructive use of time  Commitment to learning  Positive values  Social competencies  Positive Identity

Asset 1: Family Support Asset 2: Positive Family Communication Asset 3: Other Adult Relationships Asset 4: Caring Neighborhood Asset 5: Caring School Climate Asset 6: Parent Involvement in Schooling

Youth need love, comfort, encouragement, and support from their families. 70% of youth say they have this asset in their life

Parents communicate with children in positive ways and respect and respond to their needs. 30% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

All youth receive love and comfort from at least one adult other than their parents. 45% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth have neighbors who care for and about them. 40% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth spend time in encouraging, caring environments outside the home. 29% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Parents talk about their children’s needs with caregivers and teachers, and help their children succeed outside the home. 34% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 7: Community Values Youth Asset 8: Youth as Resources Asset 9: Service to Others Asset 10: Safety

Parents and other adults in the community value and appreciate young people. 25% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth are included in age- appropriate family tasks and are given useful roles in the community. 28% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Together, parents and children serve others in the community. 51% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Homes, schools, childcare settings, and other environments are safe for children. 51% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 11: Family Boundaries Asset 12: School Boundaries Asset 13: Neighborhood Boundaries Asset 14: Adult Role Models Asset 15: Positive Peer Influence Asset 16: High Expectations

Parents understand children’s needs and preferences, model appropriate behavior, and set age-appropriate limits and consequences. 48% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Out-of-home environments provide age-appropriate activities and have clear rules and consequences. 53% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring and supervising children’s behavior outside the home. 49% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Parents and other adults model responsible, positive behavior to youth. Youth have at least 3 adult role models in their life. 30% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children’s friends model responsible behavior. They do well in school and stay away from risky behaviors. 65% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Adults have realistic expectations for children’s development. 49% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 17: Creative Activities Asset 18: Youth Programs Asset 19: Religious Community Asset 20: Time at Home

Adults expose all youth to music, art, or other creative activities. As they mature, children begin to participate in these activities regularly. 20% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children spend one hour or more each week in extra curricular school activities or structured community programs. 58% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Parents make religious programs a regular part of family life. 63% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children spend most evenings and weekends together at home in predictable, enjoyable routines. 52% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 21: Achievement Motivation Asset 22: School Engagement Asset 23: Homework Asset 24: Bonding to School Asset 25: Reading for Pleasure

Children are motivated to do well in school and other activities. 67% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth are responsive, attentive, and involved in learning new things. 61% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Parents, caregivers, and teachers encourage children to explore and engage in stimulating activities. 53% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth enjoy learning and care about their school. 54% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Parents and other adults read with children, make reading fun, and encourage participation. 23% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 26: Caring Asset 27: Equality & Social Justice Asset 28: Integrity Asset 29: Honesty Asset 30: Responsibility Asset 31: Restraint

Youth are encouraged to help other people. 50% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth work to make their community a better place. 52% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth act on their convictions and stand up for their beliefs. 68% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth value honesty and act accordingly. 67% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children accept and take responsibility for their decisions and actions. 63% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children learn to take care of their bodies, which includes developing healthy sexual attitudes and respect for others. 47% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 32: Planning & Decision Making Asset 33: Interpersonal Competence Asset 34: Cultural Competence Asset 35: Resistance Skills Asset 36: Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Children learn how to plan ahead and make choices at appropriate developmental levels. 30% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth interact with adults and peers and can make friends. Children express feelings in appropriate ways. 47% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children know and are comfortable with people of different cultural, racial, and/or ethnic backgrounds. 42% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth develop the ability to resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations. 42% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth resolve problems non - violently. 45% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Asset 37: Personal Power Asset 38: Self-Esteem Asset 39: Sense of Purpose Asset 40: Positive View-Personal Future

Children learn that they can influence their surroundings and have control over things that happen to them. 44% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Children report having high self-esteem. 52% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth feel their lives have purpose and actively engage their skills. 59% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

Youth are hopeful and positive about their future. 74% of youth say they have this asset in their life.

 Succeed in school by getting mostly A’s  Help friends or neighbors for at least one hour per week  Value getting to know people of many racial/ethnic groups  Be a leader of a group in the past year

 Pay attention to healthy nutrition and exercise  Avoid doing dangerous things  Save money instead of spending it right away  Refuse to give up when things get difficult The More Assets Young People Have, The More Likely They Are To: