---

Communities across the United States are challenged with the task of transforming youths into healthy, productive adults. The socialization process is made more challenging when considering that adolescence is a time of disengagement from one´s family of origin, testing of established norms, and experimentation with new ideas and concepts. Rural communities are especially challenged due to a lack of focus on their communities and a lack of instrumentation to measure the health status of their youths. The Youth Asset Survey (YAS) is a potential instrument that may not only have the ability to measure the concept of assets but also helps predict the degree in which youths may engage in substance use. This study seeks to uncover the capacity of YAS to be used in a rural community in Ohio that will help guide planners in developing primary prevention strategies to enhance assets and diminish the use of harmful substances.

---

Dr. Michael Vimont is an Assistant Professor at Ashland University and a licensed social worker in Ohio. His targeted research areas include community planning; evaluation and research and policy development. His practice has included child welfare, health care, school social work, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

---