Building on Strengths: Risk and Resiliency in the Family, School, and Community (From Drug-Free Youth, P 95-112, 1997, Elaine Norman, ed. - See NCJ-168217)

• NCJ Number: 168222
• Author(s): S Turner
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Garland Publishing, Inc.
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This chapter examines the qualities of families, schools, and communities that contribute to the development and enhancement of resiliency as it relates to the prevention of adolescent substance abuse.

Abstract

Substance abuse prevention researchers and programmers are incorporating resiliency into their work with youngsters. Programs focus on enhancing strengths rather than on eliminating risk factors on the assumption that building positive relationships, reinforcing coping mechanisms, nurturing talents and skills and generally fostering a sense of belonging to family, school and community will all serve as preventive measures against substance abuse. Family protective factors include a warm and positive relationship with a caring adult, high parental expectations, extended family support and positive parental modeling. Schools can cultivate resiliency through opportunities for involvement in school climate decisions, high expectations for students' performance and providing a caring and supportive atmosphere. Child care, nutrition and health care programs and recreational resources are examples of community services that help build resiliency. References