NCJ Number
134141
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 349-359
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
After describing the High Risk Adolescent Trauma Prevention Program (HRATP) in Baltimore County, Md., which is designed to prevent drunk driving among high-risk juveniles, this article presents the results of an evaluation of the program.
Abstract
The HRATP is located in the Shock Trauma Center of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. Juveniles who participate in the program are considered at high risk of alcohol abuse as a result of having been arrested on alcohol or drug-related charges. Participants are brought to the Shock Trauma Center in groups of from six to eight. After an orientation session, the group is shown two locally made films. One is of an interview with a young man who had an auto accident while under the influence of alcohol; his best friend was killed in the accident. The second film documents the experiences of victims at the crash scenes of alcohol-related accidents. After viewing the films, the juveniles are given a tour of the Shock Trauma unit to meet young patients who are recuperating from alcohol-related accidents. The group then meets in a final session to share feelings about what they have just experienced and to discuss alternative strategies to driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. The program evaluation involved 351 adolescents who were given pretest-posttest measurements of relevant attitudes that affect drinking and driving behavior. After program participation, the juveniles evidenced marked changes in attitudes toward driving after drinking, riding with someone who has been drinking, and preventing a friend from driving after drinking. 5 tables and 9 references