The Youth Assets Indicator includes the following measures:
 

• Caring School Climate
• Service to Others
• Caring Neighborhood
• Constructive Use of Time
• Family Communication
• Cultural Competence

The data from these measures will be forthcoming from the combined Youth Survey which will include questions intended to measure these youth assets and will be done in the Fall of 2008 by the Maine Department of Education.

Why This Is Important

These measures are important to promote and create positive experiences and personal qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Where We Stand

Data will be available upon the completion of the combined Youth Survey which will be conducted in the Fall of 2008. 

For previous related data which are from results of a statewide random digit dial telephone survey of Maine youth in grades 9-12 conducted by Critical Insights, a strategic marketing research firm in Portland, Maine see the following indicators:  Youth in Community Service, Youth Who Feel Cared For In Their Community, Youth With Caring Neighbors, Youth Feeling Important, Youth Feeling Supported In Their Family, and Youth Respecting Others.

Data Source & Context
This is adapted from the work of the Search Institute (www.search-institute.org) and their research into developmental assets of young people.  The developmental assets framework is popular with many who work in the field of youth development.