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CMHA/Peel believes in the power of the
Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets Framework. The
assets are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and
qualities essential to raising successful young people. These
assets have the power, during critical adolescent years, to
influence choices young people make and help them become caring,
responsible adults. The Developmental Asset framework is
categorized into two groups of 20 assets. External assets are
the positive experiences young people receive from the world
around them. These 20 assets are about supporting and empowering
young people, about setting boundaries and expectations, and about
positive and constructive use of young people's time. External
assets identify important roles that families, schools,
congregations, neighbourhoods, and youth organizations can play in
promoting healthy development.
External assets of particular interest include:
- community values youth
- youth as resources
- positive peer influence
- service to others
The 20 internal assets identify those characteristics and
behaviours that reflect positive internal growth and development
of young people. These assets are about positive values and
identities, social competencies, and commitment to learning. The
internal Developmental Assets will help young people make
thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared
for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and
confidence.
Through the work of
Youth
Net, CMHA is working with youth to focus on this framework
in a productive, enticing way to which youth want to respond. The
work is new to us and is slow and gradual, but if you’re
considered youth (12 to 30 years old) and are interested in
helping, please contact
us.
Thrive ! The Canadian Centre for Positive Youth Development is
the Canadian partner of the Search Institute. Thrive’s mission is
provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to develop healthy,
capable young people of strong character.
The Institute is a U.S.-based, independent non-profit
organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge,
and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities.
To accomplish this mission, the institute generates and
communicates new knowledge, and brings together community, state,
and national leaders. At the heart of the institute's work is the
framework of 40 Developmental Assets.
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