But they also hold that while we develop strategies to prevent dangerous activities, we must be equally adamant about stating positive goals that we wish all young people to achieve and then begin helping them to reach those goals. They see youth development as an ongoing process that promotes positive outcomes for all youth. Youth development programs are important for youngsters who have not taken their first drink and for teenagers already undergoing treatment for drug addiction. Critical Components of Youth Development Even in the face of limited family and community support, all young people will seek ways to meet their basic needs and gain the competencies and skills necessary to move from adolescence to adulthood. The two critical components are meeting needs and building competencies .
Young people have basic needs critical to survival and healthy development.
Successful youth development programs purposely address these needs in their program design. If families cannot and communities will not provide positive ways for young people to meet their needs, young people will strive to meet them on their own - and not always in positive ways. As you look at the youth development needs listed below, think about how juvenile gangs answer each of these needs for their members. Building Competencies To succeed as adults, youth must acquire adequate attitudes, behaviors and skills. Successful youth development programs purposely seek to build competencies.