This study set out to determine the effectiveness of a data-based early intervention strategy designed to interrupt the development of deviance, including substance abuse, in youth from largely African-American inner-city neighborhoods considered to be at high-risk for progression in deviance on the basis of early signs of abnormal behavior. Study participants included 428 Baltimore inner-city youth. Of the 428 study participants, 235 were involved in the intervention program and 193 were involved in the control program. The intervention used in the experimental clinic consisted of individual counseling provided by existing clinic personnel. Emphasis was placed on counselor training in the prescribed case management approach. For treatment evaluation purposes, the assessment measures were obtained at baseline and 1-year later. Changes from the baseline to the follow-up assessment for the entire sample included slight increases in the number of participants engaged in alcohol use, marijuana use, and sexual intercourse. Even though there was a decrease in criminal and violent behavior, contacts with juvenile justice authorities remained stable. There was no increase in the use of drugs, except marijuana, and there was no increased involvement in drug distribution. References