Are underlying the Planet Youth method and give directions on how each step in the community intervention process ideally should be implemented
Planet Youth is built on a foundation of five guiding principles. Each principle can be thought of as a unique dimension of an overall approach that provides direction for how each step in the community intervention process ideally should be implemented. Although different steps in the process may emphasize a given guiding principle more or less heavily, every step of the model should include each of these principles. When choosing among competing strategies, the guiding principles can be consulted as a means of identifying the strategy most in keeping with the intended design of Planet Youth and local needs.
Applies a primary prevention approach that focuses on developing an organized system to enhance the social environment in communities over time. Youth outcomes are a direct reflection of the environments they live and grow in.
Enhances connection between children and their families, peers, schools, communities, and adults by creating teams of adults who are invested in and working together to support the success of young people in the community. Schools are embraced as the natural hub of neighborhood efforts to support child and adolescent health, learning, and life success.
Engages and empowers community members to make practical decisions using local, high-quality, accessible data and diagnostics. Data-driven decision-making, community-wide communications, and long-term repetition with relevant data over time keeps community-level attention focused on building healthy environments for young people.
In many public and community health interventions, the connections between researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and community members are more theoretical than functional and practical. Although they may share the same goal, each group tends to function in isolation from the others and at varying proximity from the problem itself.
Encourages authentic assessment of the problem and the solution. It’s important that participating communities remember this effort calls for realistic timeframes. This work calls for a long-term commitment and funding.
