--- title: Supporting Young People to Help Them Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued description: How can schools, programs, and families support young people and lay the foundation for building developmental assets and meaningful relationships to ensure they thrive. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/supporting-young-people.jpg --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog December 06, 2022 3 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Supporting Young People to Help Them Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsupporting-young-people-to-help-them-feel-seen-heard-and-valued%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsupporting-young-people-to-help-them-feel-seen-heard-and-valued%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsupporting-young-people-to-help-them-feel-seen-heard-and-valued%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fsupporting-young-people-to-help-them-feel-seen-heard-and-valued%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/supporting-young-people.jpg) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) # Supporting Young People to Help Them Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) December 05 2022 3 Minutes Read Today many in schools, afterschool programs, and families are asking, how can we support young people to ensure they feel seen, heard, and valued? The answer lies in a comprehensive and intentional approach to creating positive skills and values, as well as close connections with adults and peers. This helps young people cultivate their abilities to shape their own lives, build resilience, and thrive. In short, [developmental relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive) and [developmental assets](https://www.search-institute.org/our-research/development-assets/) are the answer—and both are critical for youth development, especially for those growing up in challenging circumstances. ## The Developmental Assets Framework [Developmental Assets](https://www.search-institute.org/our-research/development-assets/developmental-assets-framework/)®, an integral part of developmental relationships, are the positive values, relationships, skills, and experiences that help children and teens thrive. Search Institute has studied Developmental Assets® in the lives of millions of young people across the United States and around the world. Research consistently shows that young people from all backgrounds do better when they have a strong foundation of these strengths in their lives.  Search Institute has identified 40 positive supports and strengths young people need to succeed—to be seen, heard, and valued.  Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets). ### External Assets - **Support.** Young people thrive when surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate, and accept them.  - **Empowerment.** Feeling valued and valuable is important. This happens when youth feel safe and respected and when they perceive that adults in the community provide useful roles for youth. - **Boundaries and Expectations.** Young people benefit from clear rules, consistent consequences for breaking them, high expectations, and encouragement to do their best. - **Constructive Use of Time.** Opportunities outside of school help young people to learn new skills and creativity and to develop shared interests with other youth and adults. ### Internal Assets These are the personal skills, commitments, and values they need to make good choices, take responsibility for their own lives, and be independent and fulfilled. - **Commitment to Learning.** Young people need a sense of the lasting importance of learning and a belief in their own abilities. Ideally, they do homework every day and read for pleasure regularly. - **Positive Values.** Developing strong guiding values or principles helps young people to make healthy, responsible life choices. - **Social Competencies.** Young people thrive when they develop the skills to interact effectively with others, to make difficult decisions, cope with new situations, and resolve conflict nonviolently. - **Positive Identity.** Believing in their own self-worth, understanding that their lives have purpose, and feeling they have control over the things that happen to them greatly benefit young people. ## Creating an Environment Where Young People Feel Seen, Safe, and Valued All young people deserve to be valued and protected and to have their basic needs met. But how do we do this?  How do we create the conditions for them to develop and thrive? The answer is both simple and fundamental: for adults to demonstrate love and acceptance; to show young people they are seen and known, safe and appreciated, every day and unconditionally. This may not be the case elsewhere in their lives, particularly for students from marginalized communities. It’s important to recognize that there are barriers and challenges to what a school or program or individual educator can do, so demonstrating consistently that students are seen, heard, and valued is vital.  Resilience is not a mindset, it is a community. Where young people face risks and challenges and difficulties, adults can serve as connectors and builders of communities and safety nets. We can expand the protective and nurturing processes across a student’s ecosystem, their web of connections, to allow the building of developmental assets and to create an environment where young people can thrive. ## What Impact Do Developmental Assets Have? Students who build developmental assets across the various parts of their lives are more likely to show signs of positive development in many areas, including: - Increased academic growth and learning - Increased social-emotional growth and learning - Increased sense of personal responsibility - Reduced engagement in high-risk behaviors Search Institute has studied Developmental Assets® in the lives of millions of young people. If you are ready for an energizing discussion around assets, meaningful relationships, and positive youth development, watch our recorded webinar,  [The State of Developmental Assets](https://info.searchinstitute.org/state-of-assets-webinar), to hear Search Institute CEO Ben Houltberg share new data around developmental assets and how to create the conditions for all young people to thrive. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de) [Provide Support, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Developmental Assets, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You 2 Min Read ### [Building Relationships & Supporting Youth: A Positive Approach to Juvenile Justice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/building-relationships-supporting-youth-positive-approach-juvenile-justice) [searchinstitute August 17 2015](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/YES-FinalReport-Image.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/thriving) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 3 Min Read ### [Supporting Youth Thriving: Measures for Youth Strengths and Needs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Search Institute February 26 2026](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/LGBTQ+_Blog.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-lgbtq-students-four-strategies-to-increase-inclusivity) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [LGBTQ+](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/lgbtq) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) 3 Min Read ### [Supporting LGBTQ+ students: Four strategies to increase inclusivity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-lgbtq-students-four-strategies-to-increase-inclusivity) [Antonia Caba September 01 2023](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/antonia-caba) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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