SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  COMMUNITY

A specific group of people living in the same locality and who may share a common culture, values, and norms. Communities can also be defined by race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. The term "community" encompasses worksites, schools, tribes, residential neighborhoods, business districts, recreational areas, and health and human service sites.		  
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  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
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  RESEARCH

For purposes of COA accreditation, all forms of internal or external research involving persons served except internal program evaluation and outcomes research, or educational projects performed by students and interns that are part of their professional training.		  
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Youth Development Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

YD 11: Community Involvement and Partnerships

 
Connections with community members, organizations, and institutions increase the ability of the organization and community to support youth.
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Interpretation: Relevant community organizations and institutions can include, but are not limited to: schools, libraries, parks, community centers, recreation services, cultural institutions (e.g., museums), local businesses, faith-based institutions, and other youth development programs.
Note: See the Research Note to YD 10.

YD 11.01

 

The organization develops a list of community resources and organizations, and partners with them to:

  1. expand and enhance program offerings and activities;
  2. help youth get to know and become involved with the community; and
  3. obtain information about resources needed to meet families’ needs.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

  • Community resources included on the list are well suited to the needs of program participants (e.g., health, culture, language, learning styles, etc.);
  • Personnel use the list of community resources and organizations when planning field trips and inviting special guests;
  • Personnel ask families for ideas in accessing resources that reflect their home language and culture;
  • Youth have a chance to attend outings and field trips (e.g., walking tours, parks, museums, performances, and cultural events);
  • Youth have opportunities to join local groups and teams (e.g., sports, drama, music);
  • Youth have opportunities to meet adult coaches and mentors from the community;
  • Youth have opportunities to participate in intergenerational activities with older adults;
  • Youth are encouraged to take part in community projects (e.g., recycling, park cleanups, fund-raising events, etc.);
  • Youth are able to volunteer for projects that benefit younger children, senior citizens, children’s hospitals, and local shelters;
  • Youth organize food and clothing collections for local agencies;
  • Personnel know and maintain information about local agencies (e.g., health clinics, food programs, counseling services, language classes, crisis intervention, etc.); and
  • Personnel know and maintain information about upcoming community events (e.g., free dental screenings, fire-prevention seminars, parenting classes, etc.).

YD 11.02

 
In an effort to promote smooth program operations, when the program is housed at a site operated by another organization or agency (such as a school), the organization develops relationships and communicates frequently with the program host.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

  • A written policy spells out the use of space, supplies, equipment, and methods of communication;
  • Guidelines note each group’s responsibility for cleaning, maintenance, and routine costs (e.g., utilities, insurance, and repairs);
  • Program plans are seldom superseded by other groups (e.g., youth groups, choir, sports teams);
  • Personnel actively reach out to the program host to promote coordination;
  • Sharing the program space with others (e.g., schools, or churches) does not restrict or interfere with program activities or noise level;
  • The organization has access to needed facilities and resources at the host site, such as classroom space, storage space, bulletin boards, computer facilities, office space, and a library;
  • The organization takes proper care of the facilities and other resources provided by the host; and
  • Personnel collaborate regularly with the host regarding use of facilities and other resources.
Note: If the program is housed at a school, implementation of this standard and YD 11.03 will be closely connected.
NA The organization does not run programs that are housed at sites operated by other organizations or agencies.

YD 11.03

 

When the organization runs programs that are designed to work with schools, the organization collaborates with school personnel to:

  1. develop program activities that are aligned with and complement the school curricula;
  2. obtain needed resources;
  3. address the needs, issues, and progress of youth; and
  4. facilitate communication between families and schools.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

  • Personnel keep informed about special school projects and events;
  • Personnel attend relevant school meetings and events;
  • Personnel make an effort to talk with teachers about ways to help youth succeed;
  • Youth are encouraged to be motivated and successful in school;
  • The academic efforts of youth are recognized and valued;
  • Personnel work closely with school personnel to ensure that the program’s academic components and activities are coordinated with and will enrich school learning;
  • The organization has access to resources needed for academic activities, such as classrooms, libraries, computer facilities, and bulletin boards;
  • The organization takes proper care of the facilities and other resources provided by the school;
  • The organization allocates sufficient program time to academics, including enrichment activities, homework help, and tutoring;
  • The organization seeks input from school personnel about the impact the program has on youth;
  • The organization keeps the school informed about important issues and decisions;
  • Personnel reach out to and communicate with school personnel to monitor the academic and behavioral needs and progress of youth;
  • The organization communicates appropriate information about youth and families to the school;
  • The organization is responsive to the suggestions and concerns of school personnel; and
  • Personnel meet with school personnel and families in order to help the school gain a sense of the whole youth.
Research Note: Research shows that youth and families fare better when there is a coordinated, cooperative approach across systems.
NA The organization does not operate programs that are designed to work with schools.
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PURPOSE: Youth who participate in Youth Development Services gain the personal and social assets needed to support healthy development, increase well-being, and facilitate a successful transition through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.
 
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