Supporting Youth: How to Care, Communicate, and Connect in Meaningful Ways

Essential for adult youth leaders, educators, and other adults who work with youths, this helpful book offers valuable tools for providing supportive leadership to youth. An introduction to Search Institute's Developmental Assets® framework is provided, and the six Support Assets (Family Support, Positive Family Communication, Other Adult Relationships, Caring Neighborhood, Caring School Climate, and Parent Involvement in Schooling) are outlined in detail so that both novices and seasoned professionals can incorporate these principles in their daily work. Hundreds of suggestions for support at home, at work, at school, and in community are provided, and testimonies of youth and adults who are involved in successful support systems demonstrate these assets in action. Also included are resources, suggested activities, and self-assessments.