Youth Development Models and Indian Youth: A Critical Literature Review, Case Example and Applications To Youth in Alternative Care

Western models of youth development emphasise a holistic view of youth and identify the individual factors, social relationships, and institutional support that are necessary for a successful transition to young adulthood. Such models may be applicable to at-risk populations, including youth in institutionalised care. Institutional care is a documented risk factor for adverse social and mental health outcomes; however, studies have documented common factors that promote positive development among institutionalised youth. The purpose of the current article is to assess the relevance of Western youth development models to adolescents in institutional care in India. The authors review three frameworks for positive youth development, present a critical literature review on youth in institutional care, and situate results within relevant cultural, historic and socioeconomic contexts in India. Youth development models are used to synthesise findings, and potential implications are illustrated with a case example of an exemplary institutional care setting in India. When situated within the larger socioeconomic, historical and cultural contexts, international literature and Western youth development models may serve as a potential resource for practitioners and institutions working with youth in alternative care.