The Youth Development Handbook
Coming of Age in American Communities
- Stephen F Hamilton - High Tech High
- Mary Agnes Hamilton - Cornell University, USA
The main section is organized around the contexts in which adolescents grow up - families and neighbourhoods, peer groups, schools, youth groups and recreation groups, workplaces, religious organizations, health centers, youth courts, cyberspace. Each chapter explores the application of youth development principles to its context, drawing on current research. The next section addresses evaluation, funding, and community-wide initiatives. The concluding chapter identifies multidisciplinary themes, including youth participation, mentoring, universal versus targeted approaches, diversity, and evidence-based practice.
"In recent years, the fields of psychology and human development have focused growing attention on issues of positive youth development. . . . This volume provides a tool that can be used by researchers, practitioners, and policy makers alike to build collective efforts to enhance the well-being of youth. . . . Professor Hamilton is one of the most respected scholars in the country. There is no doubt in my mind that this volume will not only make a significant contribution in the field, but more important, that it is a volume that will be utilized across disciplines and professions."
"The conceptualization and comprehensiveness are excellent. The book also deals with a newly emerging and exciting field and hence is at the forefront of research, policy, and practice. . . . a useful resource."
"Both timely and potentially very useful…nothing nearly as inclusive as this youth development handbook now exists."
"A handbook like this is a good idea because of the interest in communities and colleges in this topic and because of the number of programs being developed targeted at adolescents. . . . I believe the book will serve as a useful reference for scholars, policy makers, and program development specialists. . . . There are no other comparable resources that focus on exemplary programs and community development issues."
