The protective factors listed include relationships with mentors and opportunities for engagement, plus clear expectations and safety. These should be categorized as which type of assets?

• A. External assets provided by family, school, and community.
• B. Internal assets fostered by positive values and commitment to learning.
• C. Interpersonal competencies needed for relationship management.
• D. Self-management competencies needed to resist and handle stress.

Answer: (A)

These factors reflect resources and structures provided by the youth’s environment—mentors offering guidance, opportunities to participate, and clear rules that keep them safe. They originate outside the individual and come from outside environments like family, school, and community, so they are external assets. Internal assets would be the youth’s own values, commitments, and skills developed within the person, not the outside supports.