Positive Youth Development

BACA-CDC believes in "Positive Youth Development" that differs from other approaches to youth in that it rejects an emphasis on trying to correct what is considered wrong with children's behavior or development.  We along with youth development professionals live by the motto originally coined by Karen Pittman, "Problem Free is not fully Prepared" as they work to grow youth into productive members of society. Programs and practitioners seek to empathize with, education, and engagement in productive activities. 

Research findings point out that Positive Youth Development provides a sense of “social belonging” or “social membership,” participatory motivation in academic-based and community activities for positive educational outcomes, developing a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement, participating in organized activities that would aid in self-development, etc.