PYD Today: Experts Reflect on the State of Positive Youth Development

Those who work with youth already know. Young people have a lot of energy. When adults—like community members and policymakers—can harness that positive energy, good things happen. Kids graduate. They avoid risky behaviors. Families grow stronger. Communities flourish. That’s called Positive Youth Development, or PYD.

“The Family and Youth Services Bureau has been encouraging families and communities to embrace Positive Youth Development for more than 30 years,” says Curtis Porter, acting associate commissioner of the Bureau. “A new year is a great opportunity to take stock of how far we have come and refocus ourselves for the future.”

We asked longstanding experts in the field—advocates, practitioners, researchers, and educators—to reflect on the current state of PYD policy and practice and to provide insight on how we can continue to move forward. You’ll find their contributions spread throughout this issue.

We also take a look at youth master plans: city- and region-wide strategies to enhance services for youth, involve them in decision making, and improve the quality of life for young people and their families. Youth workers involved in such efforts give advice on how urban and rural youth development groups can lend their support to government leaders.