Prevention: 40 Developmental Assets Approach

In an effort to identify the elements of a strength-based approach to healthy development, the Search Institute developed the framework of developmental assets. This framework identifies 40 critical factors for young people's growth and development. When drawn together, the assets offer a set of benchmarks for positive child and adolescent development. The assets clearly show important roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, youth organizations and others in communities play in shaping young people's lives.

External Assets

The first 20 developmental assets focus on positive experiences that young people receive from the people and institutions in their lives. Four categories of external assets are included in the framework:

  • Support - Young people need to experience support, care, and love from their families, neighbors, and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.
  • Empowerment - Young people need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur, they must be safe and feel secure.
  • Boundaries and expectations - Young people need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are "in bounds" or "out of bounds."
  • Constructive use of time - Young people need constructive, enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth programs, congregational involvement and quality time at home.

Internal Assets

A community's responsibility for its young does not end with the provision of external assets. There needs to be a similar commitment to nurturing the internal qualities that guide choices and create a sense of centeredness, purpose, and focus. Indeed, shaping internal dispositions that encourage wise, responsible, and compassionate judgments is particularly important in a society that prizes individualism. Four categories of internal assets are included in the framework:

  • Commitment to learning - Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.
  • Positive values - Youth need to develop strong values that guide their choices.
  • Social competencies - Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life.
  • Positive identity - Young people need a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth, and promise.

For more research and national data based on The 40 Assets, click here.

 

 

Fact Sheets/Publications

Compass Mark Fact Sheets: 

Search Institute Fact Sheets

View our complete list of Fact Sheets and Publications.


Web Resources

COBYS Family Services
COBYS Family Services (Lancaster County) provides a variety of counseling and educational services from a Christian perspective, including parenting and child-care training using the 40 Developmental Assets model.

MVP Parents  An interactive, research-based site for parents based on the 40 Assets with tips, ideas, and strategies for raising smart, strong, responsible kids.

Search Institute The Search Institute is the primary developer of the 40 Developmental Assets. Website users will find complete information on the 40 Developmental Assets, including books and videos for parents, educators, youth leaders, and faith-based organizations.

See more links.