As identified by Search Institute, the 40 Developmental Assets fall into 8 categories.  It is possible the Australian context may be different to the US experience.  Thriving Youth Australia and the Resilience Foundation are engaged in research to ensure the Developmental Assets are entirely applicable to Australian young people.

"One of the features of the Search materials that particularly impresses me is the flexible way in which this approach can be implemented in diverse communities.  A careful review of the research indicates to me that the promotion of the developmental assets would result in a reduction of risk factors for young people, an increase in resilience and also an accompanying increase in school engagement and achievement.  The potential of this approach to have a positive impact on substance abuse, crime and self-harm rates is extremely high."

Andrew Fuller Clinical Psychologist & Family Therapist