An ecological risk protective theory for building prevention programs, policies, and community capacity to support youth

Although scientific knowledge of youth development has grown dramatically over the last 2 decades, theoretical frameworks for translating research into move supportive environments for youth have lagged. This article proposes a risk/protective theoretical perspective grounded in ecological and developmental contextualist theories. Principles extrapolated from the theory are illustrated with the success of Wisconsin Youth Futures, a campus/community partnership that has built 18 community coalitions to promote Positive youth development and prevent problem behaviors.