Theory of Capacity Building

We advocate that systemic reform is needed to truly foster change processes...

Sustainable change will evolve when programs deliver effective interventions to positively alter the attitudes, behaviors, and environments in which youth develop. We advocate that systemic reform is needed to truly foster change processes that will impact the life outcomes of those underserved and underrepresented.

CAYD's model is based on a Theory of Capacity Building which asserts that children are often symptoms of failed systems that impact their lives. We believe that a balance must be struck between protecting youth and improving the systems they depend on.

We also assert that prevention is the absence of undesired behavior but it does not assure the presence of desired behaviors. Communities must be clear in what it promotes as positive youth development if it wants to assure healthy outcomes for youth. Our model promotes strengths, assets, and pro-social behavior for youth.

Finally we believe that it takes a "healthy" village to raise "healthy" children. Our work is to improve the health of the youth serving organizations so that it takes its part in raising healthy children.