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Evaluating a Community-Based Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program for At-Risk Youth

NCJ Number
180950
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 29 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 143-155
Author(s)
Catherine A. DeGuire; Elizabeth Thyrum
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study investigates changes in psychological functioning as a result of participation in a community-based drug and alcohol prevention program for at-risk children.
Abstract
Twenty-three children (ages 10-13) who participated in Alternative Community Intervention (ACI) completed the Achenbach Youth Self-Report immediately before the program and again 6-12 months later. There was a trend towards significance for change on the self-destructiveness/identity problems scale. Socioeconomic status and baseline grades were associated with significant change after the program. Specifically, medium socioeconomic status and fair grades were associated with the greatest improvement in delinquency and cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social problems. The article suggests that information on factors such as gender, race, personality characteristics and socioeconomic status could be beneficial for targeting children who would benefit most from a particular community-based prevention program. Tables, figure, references