NCJ Number
143996
Date Published
1993
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This manual presents the conceptual basis for a comprehensive communitywide approach for addressing adolescent problem behaviors and describes the practical steps for planning and implementing such a program.
Abstract
The strategy presented, known as "Communities that Care," was spawned by a decade of research conducted by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano. This research has identified risk factors that increase the chances of adolescent problem behaviors. This manual discusses each risk factor under the following general areas of juvenile life experiences: community, family, school, and individual/peer. The risk-focused prevention strategy promoted in this manual is based in the premise that the prevention of a problem involves the reduction or elimination of risk factors and the promotion and reinforcement of protective or resiliency factors. Protective factors either reduce the impact of the risk factors or change the way a person responds to the risks. Protective factors are in the basic categories of individual characteristics, bonding, and healthy beliefs and clear standards. The final section of the manual presents steps for mobilizing a community for risk-focused prevention planning. Training sessions for key leaders who will develop and implement the program are outlined.