This project surveys youth social behavior and then feeds back the results to youth and their social service providers. It provides a sociological model for enhancing youth development that provides education on the relationship of young people to the society upon which they depend.

I started the Teen Assessment Program in New York State because of the documented crisis of young people in the United States. The Center for Disease Control conducts regular surveys of youth behavior that reveal between 5 and 10 percent of youth attempt suicide annually. Successful suicides typically occur after several attempts, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 16 to 14. The program seeks to educate youth about their social relations in their families, peer groups, schools, and community, and how these relationships protect or fail to protect them from harm.

It begins by collecting systematic information on these topics, and then feeding back this information to youth and their social service providers (school guidance staff, school administrators, Youth Bureau officials, and the like). In 2005, over 6,000 youth were surveyed in Herkimer and Suffolk Counties, and the results are presently being disseminated in the form of eports, "youth summits" to discuss the reports, and local media reports. Since the surveys have been completed, efforts to use the survey results to mobilize communities around youth needs are underway. A report in Herkimer County was written, and a "youth summit" is planned where youth will discuss the survey, and then meet with youth service providers to make recommendations for improving services. Survey results have been sent to 18 individual schools that will make use of the data to better inform the guidance staff.

Impacts of the program are healthier lives of the youth who receive the education, and better targeted youth services. Changes include "youth summits" where young people meet to discuss the survey and make recommendations to youth serivce providers. After the 2003 Herkimer survey, youth recommended that the school sponsor "parenting classes" for parents who needed support, and that a suicide crisis line be established.

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County Town of Southampton Youth Bureau Town of Southampton Youth Board Herkimer County BOCES Herkimer County Department of Social Services Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

Chip Bassett