- Overview of Resources
- Physical and Psychological Safety Resources
- Supportive Relationships Resources
- Opportunities to Belong Resources
- Positive Social Norms Resources
- Appropriate Structure Resources
- Support for Efficacy and Mattering Resources
- Opportunities for Skill Building Resources
- Integration of Family, School, and Community Efforts Resources
- Printable Resources
A good overview of the concepts, research, theories, etc. regarding Supportive Relationships can be found in REACH's Positive Youth Development modules.
Why is this important?
Resource 1: Youth Resilience
Secure attachments with caring adults provide various protective factors and develop coping skills that are fundamental for fostering youth resilience. Establishing supportive relationships can help youth buffer stress responses and allow them to develop appropriate emotional and behavioral reactions. Supportive relationships build the capacity for youth to adapt and thrive despite adversity.
The following working paper explains the foundations for youth resilience, including the research findings that support the importance of resilience for positive youth development and describe long-term health benefits.
Managers could:
- Use the research findings to teach staff about what influences the development of resilience in youth and how resilience relates to supportive relationships
- Develop ideas to strengthen youth programs based on the implications of the research findings
Resource 2: Positive Adult Role Models
Adult mentors and role models are important for positive youth development as existing research suggests there are substantial benefits for youth through meaningful youth-adult relationships (e.g., improved academic achievement, positive identities, and increased community involvement). Youth programs offer ample opportunity for youth to have positive experiences with adults who support their intellectual and social development.
The following learning brief provides an overview of positive adult role models and the assortment of benefits associated with supportive youth-adult relationships.
Managers and staff could:
- Use the resource to understand and strengthen their knowledge on the framework for supporting and mentoring youth
- Use the examples of successes and challenges of positive youth-adult relationships to identify potential areas for development within youth programs
K-12 Student Success: Positive Adult Role Models (Learning brief, The Oregon Community Foundation)
How can I help my staff in this area?
Resource 1: Establishing Supportive Relationships between Teachers, Staff, and Students
By understanding structure for creating supportive relationships it allows for effective youth-adult partnerships. Maintaining certain attitudes and beliefs may hold detrimental in creating effective youth-adult partnerships.
This PowerPoint (slides 14-28) contains organizational structure, tips, and models for establishing supportive relationships. It breaks down between each level of existing relationships within a program such as student-student, staff-student, etc.
Managers and Staff could:
- Identify key aspects of models
- Practice phrases used in establishing supportive relationships by role playing
- Print out models in staff training
Resource 2: Relational Strategies
Relational strategies, such as personalized attention, that enhance intentional and stimulating interactions with youth are crucial to forming meaningful youth-adult relationships.
This workshop guide includes activities for youth program staff to practice the various examples of relational strategies described for establishing supportive youth-adult relationships.
Managers could:
- Brainstorm with youth program staff different relational strategies that can be implemented to find commonalities and build rapport with youth
- Model active listening and mutual respect through collaborative group activities with youth program staff
- Ensure that youth program staff understand their role as supportive adults and address questions staff may have
Youth Inclusion Workshop Guide: Using Relational Strategies (Workshop guide, REACH)
How can my staff help youth in this area?
Resource 1: Active Listening
Communication is an important aspect of building a supportive youth-adult relationship. One necessary skill associated with effective communication is active listening. Active listening can help build rapport by showing the speaker that their opinions and ideas are valued.
The following resource can serve as a guide for youth program staff to engage in active listening and model positive communication for youth.
Staff could:
- Create a safe and comfortable space for youth to share by being respectful and accepting
- Express that they are available for interaction with youth through appropriate body language and tone
- Demonstrate attentiveness and empathy during active listening by paraphrasing or asking open-ended questions while respecting boundaries
Active Listening Guidelines (Guide, Act for Youth)
Resource 2: Positive Feedback
Another strategy for supporting youth development is through positive feedback. By providing youth with descriptive and constructive feedback, it challenges them to step out of their comfort zones and encourages self-improvement. In addition, it allows program staff to demonstrate genuine care and interest for the well-being and growth of youth.
The following guide defines positive and corrective feedback and provides examples of each. Practice examples are also provided so that youth program staff may apply their knowledge.
Staff could:
- Demonstrate attention to detail and attentiveness when providing youth with behavior-specific feedback
- Help youth identify and assess possible areas of improvement and provide guidance for future behaviors