A Review of the Current State of the Art - January 1994 Community Climate and Resources Poor communities, especially those in the inner cities, are often stereotyped as uniformly blighted and dangerous. However, in spite of the poverty of these communities, many residents attempt to provide safe, attractive environments for children. In even the poorest inner cities, there are often pleasant streets with well-maintained buildings and concerned neighbors. Dangers of urban life .
Chronic stress is a part of daily life in some inner cities.
As a result, they may have fewer opportunities to receive adult supervision, explore their interests, learn about a variety of career options, enhance skills, demonstrate competency, and feel a sense of belonging. Poor rural communities . Although poor rural areas usually lack the level of violence characteristic of some inner cities, they also may be discouraging, hostile environments for children. Recreational and educational opportunities for rural youths and adults are often limited. Declining economic status .