Abstract
Substance abuse and violence among today's youth are at an all time high. Numerous prevention programs have been implemented to address these issues. Not all are successful. Research has found that when schools and communities are involved in the planning of prevention programs, youth are more cognizant of risk factors and of behaviors that strengthen risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the emerging needs for prevention and health education among youth, and to identify effective approaches for prevention program development and service delivery in schools and communities. This study surveyed 312 youth prevention specialists, school and community health educators and counselors, and parents in a regional sample of ten states. Results indicated that substance abuse and violence are the two most critical and priority issues in need of comprehensive prevention. Multiple prevention service delivery strategies appropriate to youth, including training, technical assistance, conferencing and networking, needs assessment and evaluation, and information requests are discussed in detail. Implications for prevention programming emphasized reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, reaching and motivating youth participation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Edwards, R. W. (1995). Research note: Links among violence, drug use, and gang involvement. in Perspectives on violence and substance use in rural America. IL: Midwest Regional Center for Drug-Free Schools and Communities and North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.
Hawkins, D., Catalano, R. F., & Miller, J. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescents and early childhood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), pp. 64–106.
Henry, T. (1995). Drugs in school parents' top fear. USA Today, August 15, 1995.
Johnston, L. (1995). The monitoring the future study. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan.
Kaufman, R., & English, F. (1979). Needs assessment: Concept and application. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology.
McCart, L. (1995). Kids and violence: Partnership for progress. Washington, DC: National Governor's Association.
Simons J.M. and Finlay, B. (1991). The adolescent and young adult fact book. Washington, DC: Children's Defense Fund.
Soriano, F. (1995). Conducting needs assessments: A multidisciplinary approach. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Steinberg, L (1991). Adolescent transitions and alcohol and other drug use prevention. in Goplerud, E. (ed) Preventing adolescent drug use: From theory to practice. Rockville, MD: Office of Substance Abuse Prevention.
Steinhart, D. (1995). Strategies and programs for the prevention of youth violence. in McCart, L. (ed) Kids and violence: Partnership for progress. Washington, DC: National Governor's Association.
Thornberry, T. (1995). Risk factors for youth violence. in McCart, L. (ed) Kids and violence: Partnership for progress. Washington, DC: National Governor's Association.
U.S. Department of Education. (1994). Changing education. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ma, G.X., Thompson, B. Needs for Youth Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention in Schools and Communities. The Journal of Primary Prevention 20, 93–105 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021465231218
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021465231218