Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings
Abstract Background Universal school-based prevention programs for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are typically designed for all students within a particular school setting. However, it is unclear whether such broad-based programs are effective for youth at risk for substance use and violence...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2021-02-01
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| Series: | Health & Justice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-021-00128-8 |
| _version_ | 1818576059692482560 |
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| author | Christopher Williams Kenneth W. Griffin Ruchi K. Mehta Gilbert J. Botvin |
| author_facet | Christopher Williams Kenneth W. Griffin Ruchi K. Mehta Gilbert J. Botvin |
| author_sort | Christopher Williams |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Universal school-based prevention programs for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are typically designed for all students within a particular school setting. However, it is unclear whether such broad-based programs are effective for youth at risk for substance use and violence in juvenile justice settings. Method The present study tested the feasibility, appropriateness, and efficacy of a preventive intervention to reduce risk factors for substance use and delinquency among youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings by promoting positive youth development and building personal strengths and prosocial relationships. Participants in the study (N = 288) were predominantly male (69%) and in the 9th grade (14 years old) or higher (91%), received the preventive intervention, and completed confidential questionnaires at the pre-test and post-test. Results The majority of youth who participated in the intervention rated the program topics (77.9%) and activities (72%) as appropriate for their age, would recommend it to their peers (73.6%), and would use the skills learned in the future (85.4%). Comparison of post-test adjusted means revealed that the prevention program had a significant positive impact on key knowledge, attitudes, and skills including goal-setting, stress-management, and communication skills. Conclusions The findings indicate that an evidence-based prevention approach adapted for youth diversionary settings can be effectively implemented and well-received by participating youth, and can produce positive changes in psychosocial skills and protective factors known to prevent multiple risk behaviors among youth. Future efforts to implement substance use prevention in community juvenile justice settings may benefit from highlighting a positive youth development, skills-based approach. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-15T00:49:07Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cdc7ca49e1c7432086195153476aec3a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2194-7899 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-15T00:49:07Z |
| publishDate | 2021-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health & Justice |
| spelling | doaj.art-cdc7ca49e1c7432086195153476aec3a2022-12-21T22:41:27ZengBMCHealth & Justice2194-78992021-02-019111210.1186/s40352-021-00128-8Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settingsChristopher Williams0Kenneth W. Griffin1Ruchi K. Mehta2Gilbert J. Botvin3National Health Promotion AssociatesDepartment of Global and Community Health, George Mason UniversityNational Health Promotion AssociatesNational Health Promotion AssociatesAbstract Background Universal school-based prevention programs for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are typically designed for all students within a particular school setting. However, it is unclear whether such broad-based programs are effective for youth at risk for substance use and violence in juvenile justice settings. Method The present study tested the feasibility, appropriateness, and efficacy of a preventive intervention to reduce risk factors for substance use and delinquency among youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings by promoting positive youth development and building personal strengths and prosocial relationships. Participants in the study (N = 288) were predominantly male (69%) and in the 9th grade (14 years old) or higher (91%), received the preventive intervention, and completed confidential questionnaires at the pre-test and post-test. Results The majority of youth who participated in the intervention rated the program topics (77.9%) and activities (72%) as appropriate for their age, would recommend it to their peers (73.6%), and would use the skills learned in the future (85.4%). Comparison of post-test adjusted means revealed that the prevention program had a significant positive impact on key knowledge, attitudes, and skills including goal-setting, stress-management, and communication skills. Conclusions The findings indicate that an evidence-based prevention approach adapted for youth diversionary settings can be effectively implemented and well-received by participating youth, and can produce positive changes in psychosocial skills and protective factors known to prevent multiple risk behaviors among youth. Future efforts to implement substance use prevention in community juvenile justice settings may benefit from highlighting a positive youth development, skills-based approach.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-021-00128-8Youth courtJuvenile justicePositive youth justiceSubstance use and delinquency preventionSocial competence-enhancement |
| spellingShingle | Christopher Williams Kenneth W. Griffin Ruchi K. Mehta Gilbert J. Botvin Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings Health & Justice Youth court Juvenile justice Positive youth justice Substance use and delinquency prevention Social competence-enhancement |
| title | Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| title_full | Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| title_fullStr | Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| title_full_unstemmed | Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| title_short | Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| title_sort | testing an evidence based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings |
| topic | Youth court Juvenile justice Positive youth justice Substance use and delinquency prevention Social competence-enhancement |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-021-00128-8 |
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