Where are you going, where have you been?
In the wake of a string of pretty gruesome local news regarding gun violence, children, and adolescents, I have been writing an article about international volunteers and their contributions to youth development in Central America.* My literature review has focused a lot on the positive youth development framework which outlines the supports young people need to be successful, matching each of these supports to a state-level policy or program initiative. Of the 40 positive youth development needs, “safe places” is sticking out currently, as is “constructive use of time”, “physical and psychological safety” and “integration of family, school and community efforts”.