The federal government's interest in opening public contracts to "faith-based" human service providers is having dramatic impacts and resonance in the field. The New England Network (Cat. '01, '97, '99) has completed two studies on this issue: a national random-sample survey of the use of spirituality (secular and religious) in adolescent-serving agencies; and a study of what troubled youth themselves want from spirituality programming.

Now NEN is working with the National Resource Center for Youth Development to describe best practices in spirituality in child welfare and youth services, and to produce a spirituality curriculum for youth professionals. As a leader in this field, NEN can play this role impartially and fairly, and it can follow-up with curriculum development and training of practitioners at the grassroots levels.

To work at the cutting edge of a new field, however, will require sophisticated venture philanthropy--willing to get involved before, and not after, a national consensus makes the field safe for foundations. If, therefore, you are not entirely risk-averse, are interested in this profoundly important subject, and would enjoy getting involved in influencing the entire field of working with troubled youth, here is your chance. These don't come along very often.