A multiple case study of neighborhood partnerships for positive youth development.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with successful neighborhood mobilization to prevent teen pregnancy using a positive youth development approach.

METHODS

A multiple case study was conducted on 5 neighborhood partnerships using in-person interviews with key informants, observation of meetings, and review of existing documents.

RESULTS

Competent staff, strong sense of community, support of key organizations, shared leadership, effective group process, and a perceived need for the initiative influenced level of mobilization.

CONCLUSION

Organizing neighborhoods around teen pregnancy prevention, even using a youth development approach, is challenging but can be accomplished when the right constellation of factors is in place.