NCJ Number
136192
Journal
Child and Adolescent Social Work Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (August 1991) Pages: 327-338
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines the use of preventive education intervention to reduce the risk of premature parenthood and experimentation with drugs among adolescents.
Abstract
The first section of the article presents incidence data on sexual behaviors and drug use, followed by an overview of adolescent development and a discussion of theories that attempt to explain why adolescents are at risk for drug use and premature childbearing. A section then explores the literature on the prevention of premature parenthood and drug experimentation. The literature contains empirical findings that prevention is effective. The article concludes with a presentation of principles designed to guide preventive efforts. The generic prevention model proposed targets multiple systems (youth, families, schools, community organizations, the media, etc.) and uses multiple strategies. The model creates an environment that is conducive to information dissemination. A diverse group is trained to impact information so as to reach diverse target populations. All youth are targeted rather than a few subgroups of youth. The preventive efforts promote health and success in contrast to a focus on deviance or the etiology of the problem. The model perceives preventive intervention as a long-term process that begins at an early age and continues through the life stages. 22 references