Youth Development
Youth Development is a way of thinking that emphasizes active support needed for young people to grow and reach their potential. Active support comes from individuals, organizations and society, especially at the community level. Youth Development is a positive, strength-building approach. It also recognizes the need to identify and respond to specific problems faced by some youth (e.g., substance use, involvement in violence, early parenthood). The most important part of Youth Development, as a way of thinking, is the goal of helping communities become better places for young people to grow up; youth participation is necessary to the achievement of that goal.
- New York State Youth Sexual Health Plan: Promoting Sexual Health Through Prevention of HIV, STDs, Unintended Pregnancy, Hepatitis C, Drug User Health & Trauma-Informed Care (PDF)
- Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education for Young People: A Guide for Community-Based Organizations
- Promoting Public Health Through Youth Development
- Guidelines for Integrating Youth Development into Health Department Programs
- Improving Public Health Through Youth Development, Journal of Public Health Management & Practice, November 2006, Supplement
