Develop Positively. Introducing a New Concept for the Prevention of Childhood and Adolescent Adversity

Abstract

Focusing on the strengths, potential, and capabilities of adolescents and youth, rather than on mitigating the consequences of challenging behavior, encapsulates the principal notion of positive youth development. The concept began to gain momentum in the world in the 1990s. In Russia as well, there are examples of non-governmental organizations that embrace and implement the principles of this approach in practice. The specifics of this concept, and how its application aids in the prevention of child and adolescent adversity, are explained by the expert from the Victoria Charitable Children’s Fund.1