NCJ Number
209899
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: May-June 2005 Pages: 407-435
Date Published
May 2005
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study describes and reviews six family-oriented school-based programs that have produced promising findings in rigorous evaluations in the prevention of aggressive behavior and drug use in early childhood.
Abstract
Research studies have shown aggressive behavior in childhood related to a variety of negative developmental outcomes which include delinquency and drug use. In order to reduce the risk mechanisms connecting early and later behavior problems, a variety of school-based prevention programs have been developed. However, involving families in school-based programs has been challenging. This study describes and reviews six programs which were found to appear to have successfully involved parents in multi-element interventions and to have produced positive outcomes in rigorous evaluations. This study reports findings and discusses issues that crosscut the development of successful family-related prevention initiatives in public schools. The programs were selected because of clear information on intervention components, treatment fidelity, service utilization, and the evaluation design. Based on the review, four practice guidelines emerged within the programs and include: (1) focus on skills to strengthen academic and social skills of children and improve family management skills of parents; (2) provide opportunities for children at high risk to build bonds of attachment to youth who are committed to conventional lines of action; (3) provide teachers with training and support; and (4) utilize culturally sensitive practices to engage families and tailor interventions. In conclusion, school-based interventions with family involvement appear to show promise. References