Positive Youth Development

Positive youth development (PYD) is an emerging model in the field of juvenile justice that concentrates on the healthy and productive upbringing of today’s youth. Rather than focusing only on the problems and deficits associated with youth in the juvenile justice system (the traditional model), PYD supports developmental programs that focus on children’s strengths, fostering positive relationships and supportive environments.

The integration of PYD into the current juvenile system provides opportunities to benefit children and communities alike. While the Massachusetts juvenile justice system has not yet fully embraced the PYD model, several agencies have adopted the PYD framework (e.g., the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Youth Services and the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee) and the Youth Advocacy Project (at the Cimplemented PYD throughout its work.

EXAMPLES OF YPD ASSETS:
- Positive relationships with adults
- Medical and mental health care
- Save places to live and learn
- Opportunities for youth to serve and play a useful community role