A 5th-year outcome evaluation of the Residential Student Assistance Program, serving high-risk, multiproblem, inner-city, primarily African-American and Latino youth, documented the program's effectiveness in preventing and reducing substance use among participants, with impact related to program dosage.
The Residential Student Assistance Program, serving high-risk, multiproblem, inner-city, primarily African-American and Latino youth, was evaluated for its ability to prevent and decrease alcohol and other drug use. A 5th-year outcome evaluation documented the program's effectiveness in preventing and reducing substance use among participants, with impact related to program dosage. Participants were drawn from several adolescent residential facilities: three foster care sites for abused, neglected, orphaned, or troubled adolescents; a nonsecure facility for adjudicated juvenile offenders; a treatment center for teens with severe psychiatric problems; and a locked county correctional facility. In addition, comparison groups were employed. Qualitative process data clarified and strengthened confidence in the quantitative outcomes. (Published Abstract Provided)