Research Overview on Positive Youth Development

This resource highlights research demonstrating the critical importance of community-based alternatives that promote positive youth development and, in turn, public safety. Specifically, this resource outlines a sampling of studies establishing the importance of fresh air and free time; counseling; sports and extracurricular activities; and family, community, spiritual, or other mentorship activities for youth to thrive. This resource offers youth defense advocates with research to push back against harmful mechanisms of control within the juvenile legal system and simultaneously shape evidence-based alternatives that ensure both positive youth development and public safety.