Assets

Adapted from the “The Asset Approach: Giving Kids What they Need to Succeed” Search Institute
Why are you successful? What did you need to succeed? Who built your assets? Our family, friends, faith, school, community and environment all contribute to who and what we become. Building blocks to our future consist of a wide range ofcontributing influences. An outline called the 40 Developmental Assets was developed by the Search Institute after surveying more than 200,000 students in grades 6-12 in over 200 communities across the United States. The survey results provided the research data which identified why some young people have a fairly easy time growing up and why others engage in dangerous behaviors -- some beating the odds while others get trapped. Developmental assets are essential building blocks that enable young people to not only achieve but to thrive. In every community where the survey has been administered, the same patterns emerge – the more assets youth report, the less they report involvement in risky behaviors and the more they report positive outcomes.

The developmental assets approach incorporates many of the principles of the risk and protective factor models, as well as research on resiliency and positive youth development. The developmental assets emphasize building on young people’s strengths as the key to healthy and productive futures. All young people, from infants to adolescents from whatever geographic location or economic level or family background, need building blocks (developmental assets) for success.

Please click on the 40 Developmental Assets button to view a copy of the assets. All of the Chemical People programs are based on providing an environment where children can aquire these assets. We also offer training on the assets for groups that would like a more formal presentation. Whether you are a parent, work with children, or only come into contact with children on a limited basis, it is still very important for adults to know and understand these assets to assist in the development of all children, which in turn benefits the whole community.