Youth Development Programs in Lithuania: Prevention and Positive Youth Development

The current review aims at evaluating the correspondence of prevention programs for late adolescents (15-19 years) implemented in Lithuania in 2006-2013 with PYD framework. Fifteen programs were included in the final analysis for this review. We used the criteria of positive youth development programs identified by Roth & Brooks-Gunn (2003a)- program goals, activities and atmosphere. We also included measurement of program outcomes and structure of the curriculum as additional criteria. Youth development programs implemented in Lithuania contain several features consistent with PYD conception. The range of goals offered by the programs match all the 5Cs of thriving, however Lithuanian prevention programs are not aimed at promotion of Caring and Connections as much as Competence, Character and Confidence. The duration of the programs does not create the sufficient prerequisites for supportive atmosphere. Program activities are mostly oriented at providing knowledge. The effect of the programs is uncertain, because of the absence of the most important features of effective youth development programs identified in other cultural contexts. In addition, we summarized the implications of this review for future developers of youth development programs in Lithuania- PYD conception should be utilized as the theoretical basis as well as assurance of implementation quality and use of quasi-experimental design of effectiveness measurement.