Relationships are at the core of child and youth development. Research demonstrates that supportive connections can help youth build identity, create positive change and flourish. Through the creation of supportive environments that nurture meaningful relationships, schools and school communities can help students develop a strong sense of self and become active participants in their communities.
The Search Institute’s Developmental Assets ® and Developmental Relationships ® frameworks provide foundational information on positive youth development, and practical guidance on how to be intentional in building relationships to help students build resilience and reach their full potential. These frameworks can be used in schools to engage in positive mental health promotion, encourage student leadership opportunities, and foster connections within the school community.
Bring Developmental Assets ® and Developmental Relationships ® to Your School
We work with schools to incorporate the
Developmental Assets ® and
Developmental Relationships ® frameworks into existing activities for promoting student connections and well-being.
We are available to:
- Introduce the Developmental Assets ® and Developmental Relationships ® frameworks at a staff meeting.
- Engage in discussion to learn about how your school is already building developmental assets and relationships with students.
- Help identify opportunities to build on current practices and provide ideas for becoming more intentional in your everyday interactions.
- Provide information, resources and ongoing consultation to help you apply the Developmental Assets ® and Developmental Relationships ® frameworks.
- Work with you to engage parents/families and other community partners.
Student Health Benefits
The more assets that students have:
-
the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviours
- the more likely they are to thrive at home, at school, and in their communities
the more likely they are to be resilient in overcoming life’s obstacles and challenges
Through Developmental Relationships ® students:
- increase academic growth and learning
- increase social and emotional growth and learning
- increase sense of personal responsibility
- decreased risky behaviours
Teaching and Learning
Developing students’ assets through supportive school environments and positive relationships with educators support the mental health, stress, and resiliency themes found throughout the Ontario Health & Physical Education Curriculum in Strand A: Social-Emotional Learning Skills and Strand D: Healthy Living as it relates to health topics including Mental Health Literacy.
You can support students through meaningful relationships using proven measures such as providing a safe and welcoming environment, promoting inclusiveness, and encouraging student voice. These supports can be practiced in all daily interactions and in all aspects of the school environment including classrooms, recess, curricular activities, committees and clubs etc.
Additional Resources
For more school-based information, resources, and French content please visit Public Health Sudbury & Districts
Contact Us
For more information or to access services, contact your local School Health public health nurse. You can also contact the health unit at 705 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or by completing our secure online Request for Service Form.
Updated: August 22, 2205
