Safe Passage: Making It Through Adolescence in a Risky Society [Hardcover]

Joy G. Dryfoos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 1998

Children today face daunting obstacles on the path to adulthood--failing schools, dangerous streets, drug abuse, teen pregnancy. But the good news, according to child advocate Joy Dryfoos, is that there are many programs out there that work--models that we can apply to our own communities and our own children. In Safe Passage, Dryfoos helps us find them.
Indeed, this book examines hundreds of successful programs, ideas that have worked in the real world--in a very tough real world at that--such as the Turner Middle School in Philadelphia, a model of a "university assisted" community school. Dryfoos examines the new trend toward full-service schools, programs that make the school the hub of the community, serving as enrichment centers and neighborhood safe havens. She evaluates programs that try to cope with sex, drugs, and violence--revealing which ones work and what aspects of these programs are most effective--and she also dissects programs that have failed, such as the highly touted drug program, DARE. Dryfoos concludes with a passionate call for action, outlining what must be done if our young people are to be assured safe passage to the future.
Whether they live in a room down the hall, a house across town, or a tenement a thousand miles away, these are our children. This book shows us what we can do to give them a better chance to succeed in life, to grow up to be healthy and productive adults.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The transition from adolescence to adulthood represents an aspect of psychosocial development that has increasing importance not only for individuals but also for public policy makers. To the extent that adolescent development can be influenced by politics, Dryfoos, former director of the Alan Guttmacher Institute and author of Full-Service Schools, suggests that government programs are essential in facilitating the "safe passage" to socially constructive adulthoods for American adolescents at risk for antisocial forms of behavior. Arguing in support of the federal government's continued involvement in structuring America's social and educational programs for adolescents, Dryfoos holds that "full-service schools" (schools that integrate psychosocial programs into a child's basic education) are needed if high-risk youths are to establish or maintain the "basic trust" in adult authority that is considered to underlie successful social adaptation. Although one may question Dryfoos's contention that the individual process of psychosocial maturation could ever be a right ensured by the state, her discussion of how federal government policies can create programs for adolescents that prevent the development of antisocial pursuits and foster social adaptation is clearly written and well thought out. While more research concerning the benefits of full-service schools is undoubtedly necessary, anyone interested in the fate of government programs for American adolescents should read this book.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The subject, tone, and organization of this book are very similar to Dryfoos's previous Adolescents at Risk: Prevalence and Prevention (Oxford Univ., 1990). It aspires to be a wake-up call for educators, social workers, and policymakers, exhorting them to rethink and retool family, school, and community programs for helping troubled adolescents. Dryfoos is best when she sticks to the facts; reports of the numbers and results of formal studies make compelling arguments for the need to create new programs that will address alarming trends in adolescent substance abuse, sexual behavior, violence, and school failure. A chapter on sources of state and federal aid is somewhat useful. For the most part, however, Dryfoos's use of the first person and shrill tone undermine this effort. Recommended for academic and special libraries only.?Ellen Gilbert, New Brunswick, N.J.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195112563
• ISBN-13: 978-0195112566
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,751,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You will be inspired to make a difference in your community!, May 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Safe Passage: Making It Through Adolescence in a Risky Society (Hardcover)

In this comprehensive text, Ms. Dryfoos defines, describes, and details what a "safe passage" means for at-risk children. I found this book inspirational because the reader is given real examples of communities and schools that successfully created safe environments for adolescents. The reader learns that a child needs this healthy environment at the beginning of life until he or she grows into a successful young adult.

As I continued reading, I found the information a bit overwhelming. There are so many programs for youth that work and don't work and resources to support the communities that support the youth. Where does one begin to make a difference in the life of a trouble teen?

The author explains that providing safe-havens for at-risk youth takes individuals, families, schools, and communities. It is a process that not only takes time and patience, but financial support to thrive. Read this book and find out how you can make a difference!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Concept, BUT tell me more, December 14, 1999

By 

Barry Martin (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Safe Passage: Making It Through Adolescence in a Risky Society (Hardcover)

The concept that teens have exchanged "Rites of Passage" for "Safe Passage" is on the money in so many ways. I would have liked the book to explore that concept more. As a teen worker the programs highlighted had a rather "institutional" feel to them. I think there are many more creative and innovative ways to approach serving teens. Maybe the next installment should interview the newer (younger) breed of teen worker.