Key Points:
- All kids need assets
- Relationships are key
- Everyone has strengths
- We need to work together to build assets
Developmental Assets® are traits, values and experiences that all young people need to be healthy, successful and reach their full potential.
These building blocks, or Developmental Assets®, are grounded in research on child and adolescent development, risk prevention and resiliency. The more assets young people have, the more likely they are to thrive, make healthy choices, and avoid harmful behaviours.
About Developmental Assets®
The positive power of assets is seen across all cultural and socioeconomic groups in youth around the world. There are 40 Developmental Assets® that are divided into two categories – external and internal.
External assets
External assets include the first 4 asset categories that make up Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets®. These are the external structures, relationships, and activities that create a positive environment for young people, such as:
- Support
- Empowerment
- Boundaries and expectations
- Constructive use of time
Internal assets
Internal assets include the second 4 asset categories that make up Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets®. These are the internal values, skills, and beliefs that young people need to fully engage with and function in the world around them, such as:
- Commitment to Learning
- Positive Values
- Social Competencies
- Positive Identity
Caine’s video is an example of how caring adults can be asset-builders in children (YouTube video).