Work group III: identifying effective strategies and interventions for improving adolescent health at the individual level.

Focusing on the individual, rather than family or community, Work Group III viewed the overarching goal of effective strategies as enabling adolescents to advocate for themselves and, through the promotion of positive youth development, supporting them in reaching their full potential. To achieve this goal, we recommend new directions in research, practice and services, dissemination of knowledge about Adolescent Health and development, and policy. Our recommendations are based on a consensus regarding extant gaps in these areas, the latest research, and the changing emphases needed to increase our effectiveness in promoting Adolescent Health and wellness [1–3]. The rationale for each recommendation summarizes our thinking and discussion of these issues. Underlying Assumptions