At the conclusion of Greater Expectations, his previous book, Damon introduced his idea of "youth charters" - the rules, guidelines, and plans of action that entire communities can draft and adopt to insure that their kids grow up right. Though briefly sketched, his concept has spread, and some towns have subsequently invited him into their communities to help them draft their own charters.

In The Youth Charter, Damon describes in full detail the kinds of youth charters parents, teachers, clergy, youth leaders, coaches, the police, and others can adopt and make work for them. He shows how such charters can encourage adults and kids to work together to raise moral and intellectual standards, and how they can imbue our children with the values and goals we expect for their bright future. Drawing on his experience with the communities he has worked with, and tailoring his program to the problems community leaders have needed help in solving, Damon shows how, with youth charters, children's behavior and schooling can improve, and how communities can curb problems of teen vandalism, drinking, drugs, cheating, gambling, and pregnancy.