Positive and safe environment. Providers aim for a climate that balances a welcoming, re- laxed atmosphere with adequately structured and clear limits in which the young people believe they are safe and secure and that the supervisors are competent to handle emergencies and care for their needs. Adequate materials and facilities. Program staff understand the ecology of the community and the rhythm of the neighborhoods. Programs carefully consider where to locate so that children and adolescents perceive them to be safe and desir- able places.
Young people know where the unsafe territories are and they know where the welcoming places are.
When a program seems to have all the right elements but no one shows up, that is a clue that something in the community's ecology was not considered. They have good social skills for working with groups, strong communica- tion skills, and experience in conflict resolution and behavior management. They genuinely like young people and have skills and knowledge they want to share. They conceptualize their roles as facilitator and guide rather than as dominant authority. Flexibility and a sense of humor are critical.