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Youth Development: An Operational Definition

Youth development is the support of the natural unfolding of the potential inherent in children and youth in relation to the challenges of their physical and social environment.  Youth development encourages individuals to actively shape their own development through their choices and perceptions. Throughout, they gain the competencies to earn a living, to nurture self and others, to engage in civic activities, and to participate in social relations and cultural activities.         

Karen Pittman is one of the most influential advocates of the YD approach. With Merita Irby, she compiled the following six principles that underlie virtually all YD frameworks. (Pittman 1998).

The goal is more than prevention. While the prevention and remediation of young people’s problems is critical, YD aims higher. Its goal is to foster, in all young people, physical and mental health; competence at school, work, and in the community; confidence; character; and connectedness with family and peers.

The process is enduring, comprehensive, and engages youth. There are no quick fixes. Youth must be treated as whole human beings with multiple needs and possibilities, not defined by their behavioral choices or circumstances.

Strategies (treatments, interventions, services or programs) go beyond the basics. Young people need health care, good schools, safe and stimulating places to spend time, and transportation. And, they need nurturing relationships and opportunities to try new roles and help others.

Youth development happens everywhere. It is not the responsibility of a single institution. Schools, families, workplaces, neighborhoods, community-based organizations, and government agencies all contribute. The commitment of caring adults (e.g., parents, neighbors, teachers, clergy, and mentors) is a major factor in successful YD approaches. Youth development strategies link to and complement family support and community development activities.

Vision is required, not just coordination. All the parties that contribute to YD should be committed to a common purpose and to rational action toward that purpose. They should be jointly accountable for achieving it.

All youth are developing; all youth have strengths; all youth have needs; all youth can contribute to their communities; all youth are valued. Youth are agents of their own development. All youth need the opportunity to take responsible roles and act constructively within their communities.

A critical element of YD is that youth have the opportunity to interact with and learn from positive adult role models. Research has identified specific characteristics that can be attributed to adults who work and play with children and adolescents, as well as characteristics of activities that promote positive YD.

The adults are:

• companions, providing time and a genuine presence;

• supporters, offering emotional support and unconditional positive regard;

• teachers who know something youth want to learn and are willing and able to share it;

• positive role models for children and adolescents; and

• challengers who stretch youth, encouraging them to do more than they thought they could.

The activities are:

• goal directed and purposeful, not merely busy work;

• ongoing, rather than momentary or occasional;

• important, meaningful to both the adult and the child or adolescent involved; and

• challenging, balancing challenge with supports