The Support Category of Developmental Assets

Supportive, healthy relationships make a big difference


Many studies over the years confirm that caring, supportive relationships with adults are critical for raising young people who are healthy and resilient. Support means freely giving young people love, affirmation, and acceptance; surrounding young people with caring families, guardians, friends, teachers, neighbors, and other adults; and helping young people know they belong, are not alone, and are both loved and lovable. Support is one of eight asset categories that make up Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Here are the facts



Research shows that the more loving, supportive, and caring adults a young person knows, the more likely he or she is to grow up healthy. Search Institute has identified six assets in the Support category crucial for helping young people grow up healthy: Family Support, Positive Family Communication, Other Adult Relationships, Caring Neighborhood, Caring School Climate, and Parent Involvement in Schooling.

Tips for building these assets



Developing bonds with young people takes listening and giving of yourself as needed. Be patient. Different kids and situations call for different kinds of support. Comfort, encourage, and help young people. Or simply be there for them. Remember that support doesn’t have to be big or loud to be meaningful.




Also try this



In your home and family: Have each family member name three ways the family supports her or him. Discuss these, as well as the areas (and ways) in which each family member would like to receive more support.

In your neighborhood and community: Model support for young people by being supportive toward others in your neighborhood, both youth and adults—praise them, take time for them, show an interest in them, and work to understand them.



In your school or youth program: Encourage access to at least one caring adult for each young person in the school or youth program.

Want to know more about Search Institute’s other seven asset categories or the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.

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Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Free Asset Workshops for your community!

Are you excited about Developmental Assets? Would you like to learn more and share the asset message with members of your community or organization? The Rural Early Year's Coalition in partnership with KidsFirst Saskatoon is pleased to offer 'Everyone's An Asset Builder', an interactive and fun workshop that introduces the power of assets in promoting healthy child development. Find out how everyone in your community can create an asset-rich atmosphere in which children and youth can thrive. This workshop is offered at *no cost* to your group or organization, so contact us today! Call or email Sydney Bell, KidsFirst Saskatoon Community Developer: 655-5383 / sydney.bell@saskatoonhealthregion.ca

The External Developmental Assets

We’re all in this together!

As young people grow and learn, they depend a great deal on the adults in their world to guide them. A strong community of caring adults—providing support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and opportunities for enriching activities—helps young people develop the internal qualities of commitment to learning, positive values, social skills, and positive identity. In short, young people depend on caring adults to provide the external assets that lead to a positive environment. External Assets include the first four asset categories that make up Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Here are the facts:

Research shows that young people need certain external structures, relationships, and activities in place in their lives to grow up healthy. Search Institute has identified the following ingredients, known as the external assets, as keys to creating a positive environment for young people: Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, and Constructive Use of Time.

Fast fact: On average SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH experience 18.5 of the 40 Assets they need to thrive. We can and will do better! Click here to see the full report.

Tips for building these assets

Creating a strong foundation in a young person’s life doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. Taking time, remaining patient, and giving a whole lot of love and caring will take you far. For most young people, their family is the center of their lives. Show your children you love them, and also value each one of them as individuals. Clearly communicate to one another your family’s values, boundaries, and expectations (as well as those of the community). Give young people the appropriate amount of freedom to make their own decisions depending on their ages, but also offer options along the way.

Also try this:

In your home and family: Ask your children to name a few people who support them. If they don’t name at least three adults, invite some of the adults you know and trust to get involved in your children’s lives.

In your neighborhood and community: Advocate that your community develop meaningful opportunities for young people, such as creative youth programs or service projects.

In your school or youth program: Make a point to know every young person’s name (no matter how many kids are involved). Smile when you see them and let them know you expect them to always do their best. Acknowledge their achievements and help them when they’re struggling.

Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.
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Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.