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Drug-Free Communities Support Program

NCJ Number
187589
Author(s)
James M. Simonson
Date Published
April 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a Federal program to involve communities in reducing substance use among youth.
Abstract
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy directs the Drug-Free Communities Support Program in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The program provides grants of up to $100,000 to community coalitions that mobilize efforts to prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug, and inhalant abuse. Applications are accepted from community coalitions whose members have worked together on substance abuse reduction initiatives for more than 6 months. Awards are for 1 year, but grantees may apply for continuation awards, which are based on performance and availability of funds. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match from non-Federal sources. The program addresses community factors that increase the risk of substance abuse and seeks to enhance factors that reduce that risk. The program assesses the effectiveness of community initiatives to reduce substance abuse among youth and provides information about effective initiatives that can be replicated in other communities. Effective prevention strategies have included mentoring, school-based curriculums, training, and juvenile diversion programs. Resources