Developmental Relationships
Forming intentional, supportive connections built on trust, encouragement and active engagement.
At Singapore Children's Society, we believe in creating supportive environments where young people can develop the skills, values and resilience needed to thrive.
We empower children and youth to navigate the complexities of modern life by identifying, equipping and nurturing their strengths and competencies. To achieve this outcome, we adopted the Developmental Relationships (DR) Framework - to build these relationships with young people, creating bonds that empower them to navigate life’s challenges and access the support they need when faced with difficulties.
Based on our youth centres' evaluation, we found that:
Strong Developmental Relationships Matters
Our youth reported strong developmental relationships with staff members at our centres, suggesting they felt supported, valued and cared for.
Help-Seeking Behaviour
Youth recognise our youth centres as a safe and welcoming environment for discussing challenges and seekin g support, becoming a significant resource for them. They also shared that our staff members are often the first adults they turn to for support.
Developmental Relationships were positively linked to help-seeking behaviour
Youth who experienced stronger connections with staff members at our youth centres were more likely to seek support compared to those with weaker connections.
developmental Relationship Framework
The framework identifies five elements — with 20 specific actions — that make up developmental relationships. When young people experience these relationships in their families, schools, programmes and communities, they are more likely to be resilient in the face of challenges and grow up thriving.
Express Care
Show me that I matter to you
Actions
- Be dependable
- Listen
- Believe in me
- Be warm
- Encourage
Definitions
- Be someone I can trust
- Really pay attention when we are together
- Make me feel known and valued
- Show me you enjoy being with me
- Praise me for my efforts and achievements
Challenge Growth
Push me to keep getting better
Actions
- Expect my best
- Stretch
- Hold me accountable
- Reflect on failures
Definitions
- Expect me to live up to my potential
- Push me to go further
- Insist I take responsibility for my actions
- Help me learn from mistakes and setbacks
Provide Support
Help me complete tasks and achieve goals
Actions
- Navigate
- Empower
- Advocate
- Set boundaries
Definitions
- Guide me through hard situations and systems
- Build my confidence to take charge of my life
- Stand up for me when I need it
- Put limits in place that keep me on track
Share Power
Treat me with respect and give me a say
Actions
- Respect me
- Include me
- Collaborate
- Let me lead
Definitions
- Take me seriously and treat me fairly
- Involve me in decisions that affect me
- Work with me to solve problems and reach goals
- Create opportunities for me to take action and lead
Expand Possibilities
Connect me to people and places that broaden my world
Actions
- Inspire
- Broaden connections
- Connect
Definitions
- Inspire me to see possibilities for my future
- Expose me to new ideas, experiences and places
- Introduce me to people who can help me grow
What can you do?
Beyond our youth centres, developmental relationships can also be built at home, in schools, within peer groups and in the broader community. In many cases, DR is already being practised informally.
Here are some examples of how you can be more intentional in building developmental relationships with the children and youth around you!
