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A Collective Responsibility, A Collective Work: Supporting the Path to Positive Life Outcomes for Youth in Economically Distressed Communities
Publication Date: May 2008
Publisher(s): Center for Law and Social Policy
Author(s): Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt
Special Collection: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Topic: Population and demographics (Children and youth)
Social conditions (Community life and organization)
Type: Report
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
This paper presents a picture of risk and challenge for youth in distressed communities and outlines how these communities can band together to create a continuum of supportive activities to bolster youth's success in school and life.
As youth grow and develop, individualized support and exposure to new experiences has a significant impact on their life trajectory. Youth in economically distressed communities deserve to have access to these types of opportunities, which are much more readily available to their peers in other communities. This investment in youth can have a positive effect on academic success, future life earnings, family stability, and the livelihood of the community.
This paper may be helpful in guiding a community's thinking about how to get started in creating a sustainable support system for all of its youth.
Supplementary file: Executive summary.