NCJ Number
188430
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of an evaluation of the Family of Schools project in West Yorkshire (England), designed to establish greater consistency between primary and secondary schools in the provision of drug education, as well as to promote a coordinated educational approach with other agencies involved in drug education and prevention.
Abstract
The project focused on training for four professional groups: teachers, police, school nurses, and youth workers. Events were organized for each group, along with joint events for the various professionals to share practice and exchange ideas and information. The project operated from 1996 through 1999 in two school "families," each consisting of one secondary and a number of primary feeder schools. The evaluation focused on drug education in schools, the impact of the project on schools, and pupils' views of transition from primary to high school. A drug policy was produced for each Family of Schools, based on teachers' expressed needs for knowledge of illegal drugs, handling drug-related incidents, and teaching drug-education courses. The project produced an information pack that contained valuable information, primarily for schools, about local groups that were working in the drug field. Teachers and other professionals who participated in the program reported that they had a better understanding of drug issues and better awareness of resources and materials for drug education. Multiagency working was perceived by all groups as an important development in establishing better practice. Recommendations are offered for improving program performance.