NCJ Number
149456
Date Published
1992
Length
197 pages
Annotation
These two volumes present the findings and recommendations from an evaluation of a drug prevention program funded by ACTION to use volunteers from Volunteers of America (VOA) to generate innovative neighborhood awareness activities.
Abstract
The five strategies supported by the ACTION project were (1) increasing public awareness of drug abuse prevention efforts, (2) adopting a zero-tolerance approach, implementing neighborhood watch programs, promoting an emphasis on victims, and building community coalitions. The VOA selected high-risk neighborhoods in nine cities, where all but one of the projects were called Community and Neighborhood Drug Offensive (CAN-DO). The evaluation focused on the nature and quality of implementation; the effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, and positively influencing volunteers; and the initiative's impact on the site neighborhoods in reducing drug abuse. The evaluation revealed that the program model should be refined in the areas of implementation, volunteers, and impact. Specific changes should include requiring community leaders to take part in planning, implementing, and evaluating the program as a condition for funding; locating program offices in visible and accessible space; using indirect methods such as youth recreation programs and neighborhood beautification in neighborhoods with high rates of crime and drug abuse; and providing ample inservice training, technical assistance, and other support to obtain funding and donations to expand program activities. Tables and appended methodological information and study instruments