McLennan County Collaborative Abstinence Project (McCAP)

McCAP / Community Corner

Adults play a significant role in the development of children and youth. ALL young people need nurturing and supportive relationships both inside and outside their families.

However, the bad news is that a majority of children and youth do not have many caring connections with adults outside their own families.

The good news is that adults believe these relationships are important.

Adults can build and affirm developmental assets in children and adolescents. The most important way adults can engage with youth are summed up in the following. For more information about developmental assets, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Encourage school success

Teach shared values such as equality, honesty and responsibility

Teach respect for cultural differences
Report positive behavior

Only 3% of youth say they know adults who
encourage their positive behavior.

Guide decision making

Report misbehavior

Assume responsibility for the well being of neighborhood children and youth

Young people NEED and WANT adults in their lives in positive, encouraging ways.

By getting involved in your community and reaching out to a younger generation, you can stimulate a positive cycle of nurturing, connection and healthy community that will enhance the quality of life for each generation.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES = HEALTHY YOUTH

(Source: Grading Grown-Ups; Search Institute, 2002)