This report presents a synthesis of the design, implementation, and impact of North Carolina's Youth Violence Prevention Center's (NC-YVPC's) promotion of a multi-faceted approach to addressing delinquency risk factors at multiple ecological levels.
The NC-YVPC developed and implemented three evidence-based programs to decrease youth violence in a rural North Carolina community where violence was prevalent. One evidence-based program used is called Positive Action (PA), a universal school-based program, which was implemented in 13 middle schools for 3 years. In addition, a program called Parenting Wisely (PW) was provided to 300 parents. This is an online program designed to improve parenting skills. A third evidence-based intervention implemented is called Teen Court (TC), a community-based restorative justice alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system. It was provided to 400 adolescents. County data were collected in examining whether and how the NC-YVPC programs changed levels of youth violence in the county. The evaluation found that PA participation was associated with increased student self-esteem and decreased school conflicts. PW parent participants gained confidence in their parenting approaches and had less conflict with their children. TC participants reported improved mental and behavioral health. Overall, some county indicators of violence showed a decrease. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 72 references