What are the five key supports and opportunities for Youth Success?
  • Youth Development Practices

    Framework for Practice:
    The YDN bases its work on the framework created by Community Network for Youth Development (CNYD). The CNYD is a youth development intermediary in the Bay Area. The Youth Development Framework for Practice is based on the research of Michelle Gambone and James P. Connel. The research shows that children and youth who have certain supports and opportunities are more likely to achieve positive developmental outcomes. These outcomes include: being productive (graduating, becoming employed or going to college); being able to navigate (solve problems, know where to get help, manage living situations) and be connected (have healthy relationships, contribute to the community, belong to groups).

    The framework identifies five key supports and opportunities that contribute to the outcomes:
  1. Access to emotional and physically safe environments
  2. Caring and healthy relationships
  3. Opportunities to participate (voice and choice)
  4. Opportunities to contribute and know the community
  5. Opportunities to build skills in engaging and challenging ways.


    Supports and Opportunities for Youth Success

    ⇒Challenging and Interesting
    ⇒Growth and Progress
    ⇒Knowledge of the Community
    ⇒A Chance to Give Back
    ⇒Involved in Meaningful/Responsible Roles
    ⇒Input in Decision-Making
    ⇒Leadership Opportunities
    ⇒Social Supports & Caring from Peers/Adults
    ⇒Emotional
    ⇒Physical