Asset Building
Developmental Assets are building blocks for raising healthy children and youth. Search Institute developed a framework of Developmental Assets which has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States. It is one of the evidence-based strategies approved by SAMHSA for drug prevention. This framework was founded on research in resiliency, risk prevention, and youth development. The 
40 Developmental Assets represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive.
The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family. Unfortunately, the average young person experiences fewer than half of the 40 assets.
Fortunately, caring adults in families and communities can be asset builders for children and youth. PPS supports asset development groups in these efforts. Here are some helpful resources:
• 
Asset Development PowerPoint Presentation
• Search Asset Surveys
