NCJ Number
202729
Date Published
June 2002
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This third in a series of five "Action" booklets on the prevention of youth violence describes the best practices and model programs in youth violence prevention, and it provides guidelines for the selection and adaptation of programs so as to ensure the appropriate mix of human and material resources for successful implementation.
Abstract
The booklet first distinguishes between a "model" program and a "promising" program. A "model" program was developed in the context of a rigorous experimental design; has documented significant deterrent effects on violence, serious delinquency, or any risk factors for violence with a large effect size of .30 or greater; was replicated with demonstrated effects; and had effects that were proven to be sustainable. A "promising" program, on the other hand, was developed in the context of a rigorous experimental design; documented significant deterrent effects on violence, serious delinquency, or any risk factor for violence with an effect size of .10 or greater; and can document either replication or sustainability of effects. The booklet describes the criteria for measuring whether a program's trial was effective. One section of the booklet provides guidelines for using "best practices." The most important "best practice" is advised to be a multifaceted response to the problem. The booklet then notes that after being armed with an understanding of best practices, available models, and promising programs in prevention, violence-prevention collaborations can begin to plan and implement one or more interventions for one or more specific groups; however, the planning should be preceded by an assessment of the coalition's readiness to plan and implement the program. This involves focusing on community needs, resources, and commitment. Guidance is then provided for selecting a model or promising program that best fits the target population's culture, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, as well as the resources available. This may require some modification of the selected program. Some guidelines for successful programs are to carefully choose and adapt programs; be prepared for changes in context; make sure adequate human resources are available; be willing and eager to work with others; encourage shared ownership of the intervention; and extend support systems. Finally, view program implementation as an ongoing process of action, evaluation, and modification. A list of 12 resources