Principal Investigator:
JBS International
August 2008
This project is available on the Internet at:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/boys/
How to Obtain a Printed Copy of a Report
Many adolescent boys are doing well. They graduate from high school, stay
out of trouble, and reach adulthood prepared for the world of work and the
responsibilities of family. For young men like these, opportunities have
never been greater.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation commissioned a review of the literature
on the risks and assets that affect boys ages 10 through 18. By summarizing
and synthesizing the existing literature, the project aims to pinpoint what
strengths make some boys likely to succeed and what risks, or challenges,
increase the likelihood that they will struggle. It does not make an
effort to compare boys to girls; it does not intend to imply that an issue
for boys isn't also relevant for girls. In fact, research shows that
many of the same risk and protective factors, as well as interventions, may
be relevant for both boys and girls.
A major goal of the project is to provide information about approaches that
help boys stay on the right track. These approaches range from formal
programs, such as anti-drug or anti-gang programs, to environmental
interventions, such as when a community bands together to create safe places
for youth to congregate, to more informal approaches, such as when a concerned
adult befriends a troubled adolescent.
The project has produced a brief on key findings, an annotated bibliography,
and fact sheets focusing on seven research areas, or domains: mortality
and victimization, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, mental health,
education, employment, and constructive use of time. The project examines
the influence, both positive and negative, of boys' characteristics; their
families, peers, and schools; and their communities. This project also
highlights the positive impact that caring adults in families, schools, and
communities can have on the well-being of boys and young men.
Available Reports in the Series:
-
Initial Findings Brief, August
2008. (PDF version, 22 pages)
This brief gathers and synthesizes statistics and research related
to risks for boys across multiple domains, identifies successful interventions,
and offers concrete suggestions for how caring community members can help
support boys in their adolescence and as they transition to adulthood.
Research on mortality and victimization; delinquency and violence; substance
abuse; education; and positive youth activities is included. This brief
is based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature on the strengths
and challenges that affect boys ages 10 through 18.
-
Fact Sheets, August 2008
These Fact Sheets offer facts about boys in seven research areas,
or domains: mortality and victimization, juvenile delinquency, substance
abuse, mental health, education, employment, and constructive use of time.
Also included are risk and protective factors that influence outcomes for
boys in these domains.
-
Constructive use of time.
Do constructive uses of time affect youth outcomes? See a snapshot
of boys participation in afterschool activities, physical activities,
religious activities, volunteering and service learning, and employment and
how these activities contribute to positive outcomes in youth.
[PDF version, 4 pages]
-
Education. How do family, school
and community factors influence boys success or failure in school?
Learn about the many academic challenges boys can face, including learning
disabilities, underachievement, and dropping out of school, as well as what
contributes to academic success. [PDF
version, 4 pages]
-
Employment. Is having a job
harmful or beneficial to boys? This fact sheet presents trends in
employment patterns among youth, where boys work, employment outcomes, and
what happens when employment is connected with school and other
activities. [PDF version, 4
pages]
-
Juvenile delinquency. What
do we know about boys involvement with the juvenile justice system?
See trends in property crimes, violent crimes, status offenses, as well as
risk and protective factors related to juvenile delinquency.
[PDF version, 4 pages]
-
Mental health. What mental
health issues are boys now struggling with? Learn about how ADHD, anxiety
disorders, and mood disorders affect boys, and how many actually receive
treatment. [PDF version, 4 pages]
-
Substance abuse. Is alcohol,
drug, and tobacco use among boys prevalent today, and what is the connection
between substance abuse and other negative outcomes? Read about boys
use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco and their treatment rates.
[PDF version, 4 pages]
-
Victimization and mortality.
What influences contribute to boys becoming victimized or
victimizers? This fact sheet offers an overview of the risk and protective
factors that contribute to victimization and mortality among boys, as well
as rates of victimization and mortality among boys.
[PDF version, 4 pages]
-
Annotated Bibliography, August
2008. (PDF version, 52 pages)
The Annotated Bibliography is the result of a comprehensive
review of literature on the strengths and challenges that affect boys ages
10 through 18. It provides evidence-based work that highlights the
challenges boys face and investigates what strengths, such as the positive
impact that caring adults in families, schools, and communities can have
on the well-being of boys and young men.
To obtain a printed copy of any report, send the title and your mailing
information to:
Human Services Policy, Room 404E
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Av, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Fax: (202) 690-6562
Where to?
Top of Page
Home Pages:
Human Services Policy
(HSP)
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
(ASPE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS)
Last updated: 09/11/08