Developmental Assets

Since its creation in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States. “Developmental Assets” are defined as factors that decrease the likelihood that a young person will engage in risky behavior and increase the chances they will grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible adults. Currently, the Search Institute has developed and published four different versions of their developmental assets for different ages of children and youth.

Each list identifies a total of 40 assets that are critical for a young person’s growth and development. The first 20 assets on each list are referred to as “external assets”. These are positive experiences that youth and children should be receiving from adults in their environment. The second 20 are termed “internal assets”. These are qualities that the child or young person should be developing with the assistance of individuals, organizations and institutions within their communities.

External Assets are grouped into four areas of concern:
• Support- Children and youth need to experience support, care and love from their families, neighbors and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.
• Empowerment- Children and youth need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur they must be safe and feel secure.
• Boundaries and Expectations- Children and youth need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are “in bounds” or “out of bounds”
• Constructive Use of Time- Children and youth need constructive, enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth programs, congregational involvement, and quality time at home.

Internal Assets are likewise grouped into four areas or subgroups:
• Commitment to Learning- Children and youth need to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.
• Positive Values- Children and youth need to develop strong values that guide their choices.
• Social Competencies- Children and youth need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life.
• Positive Identity- Children and youth need a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth and promise

With this handbook, we have provided you the asset list appropriate to the age of the child you will be mentoring. Please refer to it often as you work with your mentee.

All versions of the developmental checklists plus additional information on child and youth development and the Search Institute can be downloaded for free from the Search Institute Website at: http://www.search-institute.org/assets/assetlists.html