Each year, over 600 youth under the age of 25 experience literal homelessness in Austin, Texas. Of these youth, 76% have a history of involvement with foster care or the juvenile justice system--far exceeding the rates of system involvement observed among homeless youth in other large communities in the United States (approximately 54%; Voices of…

The lack of culturally appropriate health and mental health care has contributed to the large number of African American youth and families involved in the child welfare system. This article reviews the consequences of the insufficient access to culturally sensitive, evidence-supported interventions for African American foster youth. The authors…

The primary goal of this study was to measure public perceptions, opinions and priorities as they pertain to youth issues in Sacramento for the purposes of further developing public and private youth programming and public policy in the Sacramento region. By presenting a "statistically reliable" profile of public opinion on youth issues,…

This paper provides the rationale for a new education for sustainable development (ESD) project being developed in Australia. Titled "Project otherWISE," it seeks to build the capacity of young Australians to be agents of change towards sustainable lifestyles in their communities. The rationale for the project is grounded in three themes…

"Guide of Ideas for Planning and Implementing Intergenerational Projects," is for all professionals that are or wish to be enrolled in the development of intergenerational activities. This "Guide" is the main product of the Project MATES--Mainstreaming Intergenerational Solidarity, co-financed by the Lifelong Learning…

This version of "Guide of Ideas for Planning and Implementing Intergenerational Projects," written in Portuguese, is for all professionals that are or wish to be enrolled in the development of intergenerational activities. This "Guide" is the main product of the Project MATES--Mainstreaming Intergenerational Solidarity,…

This version of "Guide of Ideas for Planning and Implementing Intergenerational Projects," written in Spanish, is for all professionals that are or wish to be enrolled in the development of intergenerational activities. This "Guide" is the main product of the Project MATES--Mainstreaming Intergenerational Solidarity,…

Out-of-school time programs provide intervention and prevention services to young people who are deemed "at-risk" with the goal of improving their social, emotional, and academic development. However, research indicates that children and youth who are most "at-risk" are less likely to participate in out-of-school time programs, and do so less…

Reviews unique environmental features of the sixties that precipitated the growth of Alternative Youth Programs. Internal characteristics of Alternative Youth Programs are surveyed to identify features of counterculture ideology that were assimilated into the early structure of these organizations and contributed to their early success.…

This planning guide describes the BEST Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program, provides perspectives on the benefits of apprenticeship and other considerations for community stakeholders, and offers guidance on planning milestones and activities needed to accomplish Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeships through…

American youth service history gives some clues to the barriers the nation faces in creating a comprehensive and effective system for youth at risk. Barriers to effective youth service grow out of this history and in part contribute to it. The engine that has driven youth services--and the misperceptions that drive those services--is the theory of…

Glaring inadequacies and a lack of coordination in the field of youth development stimulated the extensive data collection and analyses presented in this report. Recent and current efforts in the youth development area at the college and university level were surveyed. Among the data reported are: (1) administrative perceptions of youth programs,…

Inspired by the 2004 Kids Count Databook essay, "Moving Youth From Risk to Opportunity," this new report highlights the history of data collection, challenges and innovative strategies of 12 Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT grantees in their work to serve the needs of older youth. (Contains 3 figures, 2 tables, and 9 notes.)

This brief summarizes the importance of professional development, identifies core competencies for youth workers, highlights professional development training delivery models, and sets fourth next steps for professional development that can benefit youth programs. Programs often attribute their success to effective youth workers, and research…

This booklet presents practical ideas and suggestions intended to help adults develop and support alcohol abuse prevention projects for youths. The first of five major sections considers the following topics: realistic goals for a prevention program; effective prevention approaches; key factors in achieving a working relationship with teenagers;…