What does ‘positive youth development’ promote?

Positive youth development focuses on recognizing and nurturing the inherent strengths and potential of young individuals. This approach promotes a supportive environment that encourages the development of skills, resilience, and positive relationships, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior. By fostering these strengths, positive youth development helps youth not only avoid negative outcomes but also thrive and become contributing members of their communities.

In contrast, options that suggest punitive measures or limited engagement with community resources do not align with the principles of positive youth development, which prioritize empowerment and constructive growth over punishment or isolation.