Every two years, the City surveys our young people to identify strengths and needs in our young people’s assets. The survey we use to measure youth assets is called the Profiles in Student Life – Attitudes and Behaviors. It was developed by the Search Institute – the organization who developed the 40 Assets framework.
This data is used by the NYS, the School Department and many other community groups to serve both as a guideline for program development as well as a measure of our community’s health.
Here is the most recent report on our data, downloadable for your convenience. This is the summary report. You can contact NYS for the full Executive Report.
Understanding that youth are vulnerable to high-risk behaviors, NYS engages a positive approach to prevention by building protective factors in all young people, instead of deploying deficit-based tactics focused on traditional at-risk groups or youth already in crisis. Rather than a singular event or program, prevention is an ongoing effort to promote healthy behaviors and systems to support children and families.
NYS’s prevention efforts and expertise extend beyond prevention in Newburyport, and formally include other area municipalities.
Every two years the City of Newburyport surveys youth to identify strengths and needs framework based on 40 Developmental Assets*, or protective factors. Data reported are considered measures of community health, and used by NYS, the School Department, and other community groups to shape youth programs and services (e.g., increasing youth “resistance” skills by working with schools to change their Wellness curricula, offering self defense classes for young women to elevate “safety” skills)
A community-wide, initiatives-based collaboration to reduce high-risk behaviors in Newburyport’s young people. Partners represent all community sectors: government, public services, education, child development and mental health, healthcare, social services, and community organizations. BEACON Coalition has addressed everything from depression, self-harm, and suicide to improving goal setting skills and encouraging more outdoor play.
NYS heads this regional group in creating connections and supports for individuals, families and organizations from Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and Newburyport. Using a scaled model similar to BEACON Coalition, ECAB relies on partnerships from all sectors in the community to apply a Positive Youth Development Approach and help youth thrive. Each community has begun efforts to engage young people and better meet their needs: Triton Regional School District implemented the 40 Assets, Amesbury created the Partnership for Amesbury Community and Teens (PACT), and Georgetown has committed to establishing a youth rec center.
In 2018 the State of Massachusetts recognized the City of Newburyport for NYS’ long-term efforts in creating a community-wide approach to suicide prevention. NYS has partnered with Newburyport Public Schools and The Samaritans on It’s our 20% campaign to train teachers and community members on signs of suicidal thinking, provide young people with awareness and resources, and identify at-risk individuals earlier. Over the past 10 years, there has been a 50% decrease in self-reported suicide attempts.
We are supporting this approach with evidence from the Search Institute and the “Profiles In Student Life” survey. The Search Institute provides information on the power of the developmental assets to both reduce high risk behavior and promote thriving indicators which result in academic success.
Learn more about the BEACON Coalition– the City’s collaborative to reduce high risk behavior and increase assets.
*Developed by the Search Institute
Download the 40 Assets lists here:
The Positive Youth Development approach suggests that helping young people to achieve their full potential is the best way to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors. Organizations and communities that promote Positive Youth Development give youth the chance to exercise leadership, build skills, and get involved. The self-confidence, trust, and practical knowledge that young people gain from these opportunities help them grow into healthy, happy, self-sufficient adults.
When community members and policymakers harness the positive energy and initiative of youth, good things happen:
In addition, adults who work closely with youth—and therefore see their dedication, responsibility, and willingness to learn—tend to view youth positively.
Though the concept may seem simple, Positive Youth Development requires an enormous community mobilization. Everyone has a role to play:
Neighborhood leaders and community members can involve young people in measuring how well the community supports youth, and then work together to improve services.
Policymakers can engage youth in discussions about policies that affect them.
Business leaders can teach young people the skills they will need for successful employment.
Recreation Programs year round from Birth- 18 and Families! Visit our online registration page for updates and information (including the latest brochure).
NYS is committed to empowering our young people. The Newburyport Youth Council is a youth-led community engagement committee for grades 7-12. Learn more about the Youth Council.
Newburyport Youth Services has chosen to develop its recreation, prevention and empowerment programming around the Positive Youth Development approach. Learn more about the 40 Assets and our “I Supoort YA” campaign.
NYS provides support to children and families in a number of ways. From the Parent Speaker Series to crisis intervention, programs to mentoring. Learn more about all that we offer!
NYS is committed to working with partners in the community to foster healthy youth development throughout the city! We are also passionate about enagaging young people in their own community.