The policy and practice of positive youth development: a study of Queens, New York

Abstract

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a process of human development, a philosophical orientation toward social and community development, and a programmatic framework for youth services. In the United States PYD has evolved both from, and in response to, child development theory and policies about youth. A positive assets-based approach has emerged over the course of the past 20 years, and is now establishing itself as a field of policy and practice. While there is a great deal of literature about child development and evaluative studies of youth outcomes, there is little that describes the dynamics and processes of youth development policy and practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept and practice of Positive Youth Development (PYD) in the U.S. and the ways in which communities create and sustain PYD. Specifically, this study is concerned with the ways PYD can be described and identified; how PYD evolves over a period of time; the dynamics and processes by which communities mobilize their developmental capacity for PYD; and the ways, if at all, that PYD contributes to social justice and equal opportunity in schools and communities. Through an inductive qualitative format that includes semi-structured interviews and document review, this study will explore the dynamics and processes of the policy and practice of PYD in Queens County, New York, utilizing ecological, social movement building, organizational field development and diffusion of innovation frameworks. The policy implications of findings from this study are discussed.