This volume contains three studies that address important and complementary aspects of youth work as it is developing in the Member States of the European Union. Chapter 1, Youth Structures and Policies at National Level, has two parts. The first describes the specific nature of youth policies carried out by the various governments and the…

This guide is designed to provide practical information for community leaders, local Workforce Investment Boards, Youth Councils, staff, and others committed to effective youth and workforce development. Its four sections provide technical assistance and training materials for Youth Councils. Chapter 1, "Planning the Menu," defines youth…

This document contains 20 edited presentations, each in a two-page digest-like format, from the 1998 conference of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Presentations are: (1) "Adapting Equipment and Teaching Methods for Persons with Disabilities" (Cindy Dillenschneider); (2) "Adventure Programming and Facilitating When You Don't Know…

This report is designed to help law enforcement administrators and officers understand and institute a strategy to help prevent violence through community oriented policing services carried out in collaboration with youth-serving organizations. Descriptions of programs are based on a study that involved a survey of 579 affiliates of 7 national…

Describes the program of the Turner Job Corps Center, Albany, Georgia, which provides a holistic setting for youth development emphasizing behavioral management and measurement. Academic and vocational management systems are self-paced individual mastery programs. The measurement function is carried out by computer in the Systems Support…

A survey of 1,719 Chinese secondary students in Hong Kong revealed respondents' inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes, unsatisfactory utilization, and expectations regarding government-funded children and youth center services. Knowledge about and attitudes toward centers were significantly related to youth's future participation in children…

In Botswana, precolonial Tswana spirituality gave way to European secularization. This, plus related changes in labor patterns, government, and educational practices, led to the transformative educational philosophy that now separates the Tswana from the environment and traditional religious beliefs. This cultural fragmentation underlies the…

Describes the theory of action linking the Chicano-Latino Youth Leadership Institute with positive youth development, highlighting promising practices. Selection of participants is based on an application process and Hispanic high school students are encouraged to apply. Data from surveys, focus groups, reflection forms, and analysis of Minnesota…

Parks and recreation departments (PARDs) can help alleviate societal problems associated with at-risk youths. To better position PARD programs for reducing risky behavior, there must be scientific evidence showing their impact on youths' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The paper examines existing evaluation studies highlighting the positive…

When funding youth programs in developing countries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should consider programs that recognize both the developmental needs of children and socioeconomic factors, that serve youth directly or work indirectly through family and community, and that have proven strategies for stretching limited funding.…

Profiles the Master Teacher in Family Life Program developed by the University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Service, which provides training and support to leaders within high-risk communities, who then act as counselors, role models, and advisors to youth and families. Discusses the development of the program in Springfield,…

Discusses the growing use of mediation in U.S. juvenile justice. Identifies the goals of youth mediation programs. Describes prevention and intervention program models and school, parent-child, victim-juvenile offender, and youth corrections mediation efforts. Argues that communities must be proactive in building citizen participation and forming…

Evaluates effectiveness of the Girls Incorporated Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy Program, concentrating on effectiveness of the Will Power/Won't Power social skills development program and the Growing Together parent-daughter communication program. Surveys of 412 girls aged 12 to 14 years indicate the effectiveness of these programs in delaying…

Large numbers of problem youths are placed in homes and institutions by parents and the social service and juvenile justice systems. Such placement is costly and has adverse effects for the youths. Alternative home-based programs have been developed with high success rates and large cost savings. (BC)

Evidence is presented that strengthens the argument against comparison group research strategies. Results from a study of youth attitudes related to the California Conservation Corps involving 528 participants and 668 comparisons indicate that the comparison group may not adequately represent the nontreatment state. (SLD)