Supports and opportunities are at the center of the Framework because they are the link between what we want for youth (reaching developmental milestones and achieving healthy adult outcomes) and what we can do for youth (strengthening communities, reforming institutions and services, and increasing quality out-of-school activities).
Research clearly shows that unless young people experience essential supports and opportunities for their development, across all the settings where they spend their time (family, neighborhood, school and community organizations), they are unlikely to achieve the outcomes we desire for them – economic security, mental and physical health, and good family and social relationships.
We know that: |
Young people who experience supports and opportunities across settings are twice as likely to have good developmental outcomes, and half as likely to have poor developmental outcomes, when compared to youth who do not experience high quality supports and opportunities.
Youth who experience greater supports and opportunities in organizations stay longer and participate more often in programs, are more engaged in school, show more pro-social behavior, and are more involved in their communities.
