This article builds on a sociological account of working-class minority youth development and differential access to social capital--defined in terms of key resources and support provided by institutional agents (Stanton-Salazar, 1997, 2001, 2004). The article elaborates on the concept of "institutional agents"--specifically, high-status, non-kin,…

Outlines a new model for applying concepts from resilience research to education, prevention, and treatment. Suggests how these concepts can guide practitioners in creating more powerful interventions and in fostering positive development for all youth. Focuses on caring relationships, high expectations and positive beliefs, and opportunities for…

Successful peer helping or peer group treatment interventions for at-risk youth engage the curative power of some primary child development strategies. Coaching at-risk adolescents to help others has been a primary therapeutic tool in peer helping programs for over 50 years. High and moderate risk youth can benefit greatly from programs that…

Adolescent youth are an under-utilized human resource during a period of development when peer influence is powerful. Peer helping programs, in which youth are trained in interpersonal skills to equip them to reach out to others, are systematically tapping this resource in reclaiming at-risk youth. Research supports the validity of these programs…

This resource guide, prepared by the Cook County Sheriff's Youth Services Department in Maywood, Illinois, contains information about five evolving styles of youth service delivery strategies, i.e., youth participation, youth advocacy, development of a comprehensive youth policy, youth development policy design, and delinquency prevention through…

This newsletter, created for teachers, parents, and others interested in current educational themes, addresses the issue of mentoring, what it is, how it works, and why it is needed; and provides some examples of current mentoring programs. It explains that there are two types of mentoring: natural, such as through friends, relatives, and…

Middle school practices should reflect research showing how students entering adolescence, at 10-14 years of age, are different from other children. Middle school students are changing physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Schools should emphasize: (1) active learning experiences; (2) student-centered methods; (3) recognition of individual…