Strengthening Families To Prevent Drug Use in Multiethnic Youth (From Drug Abuse Prevention With Multiethnic Youth, P 255-294, 1995, Gilbert J. Botvin et al, eds. - See NCJ 159983)

• NCJ Number: 159994
• Author(s): K L Kumpfer; R Alvarado
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 40 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews research on family risk and protective factors that influence youths' use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs and describes family interventions effective in reducing juvenile drug use and increasing protective resiliency processes in minority youth and families.

Abstract

Family interventions should be a central part of any comprehensive prevention program with minority youth. A large number of promising family programs exist. These include pre-parenting education, pregnancy prevention education, infant parenting and health care, in-home parent education, parent support groups, family meetings and activities, and many other kinds of activities. Some are for the general population, some are for high-risk families, and some are for families in crisis. Programs should be culturally relevant, of sufficient intensity, matched to the family's needs, and developmentally appropriate. Parents should be screened for mental health problems or other dysfunction and referred for treatment. Recruitment and retention should also receive attention. Families may need other services besides parent education. Program planners should recognize that families with multiple problems need coordinated, long-term help, including ongoing support and booster sessions with coordinated family services. Table, note, and 192 references