NCJ Number
190028
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2000 Pages: 33-46
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article describes the evolution of a primary drug prevention program for youth and the challenges associated with establishing the program within a particular community.
Abstract
In 1990, Project KICK (Kids in Cooperation with Kids) was initially proposed as a direct response to a school-based drug education and health promotion research initiative that focused on the development and testing of an effective drug prevention program for elementary-age children. The purpose of the project was to test a number of assumptions and models concerning alcohol and drug abuse prevention and how they related to early intervention and health promotion. The program currently incorporates community partnership, drug education, parent involvement, and peer counseling. A collaborative effort between the school, university, and community was viewed as essential to equipping participants with the skills and support to refuse drugs and choose healthier alternatives. The community was involved in two ways. First, project staff provided parenting skills training to the parents of children who were participating in the program. Second, the project created a Community Advisory Board composed of stakeholder groups with representatives from the police department, social service agencies, parents, teachers, community leaders, and students. In 1991 the project was implemented at two other schools in the same city. In reviewing program features, this article discussed the use of a consortium to implement program goals and objectives, parental involvement and home visitation, developing and maintaining a positive relationship with the host organization, developing a curriculum for effective execution of program interventions, and the evaluation process. Recommendations are offered for planning and implementing similar programs, so as to increase the effectiveness of service delivery and longevity in a particular community. 27 references