NCJ Number
166442
Editor(s)
A Sutherland,
J W Quinlan,
R Marshall
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape explains nature and elements of alternative activity programs, explains that they represent one of six strategies for juvenile drug prevention, and presents the example of an adolescent female who lives in New York and became involved a competitive jump rope program.
Abstract
The discussion notes that alternative activities are one of six strategies for drug prevention. The other five are information dissemination, education, problem definition and referral, community-based processes, and environmental efforts. Successful alternative activity programs have eight elements. They encourage positive peer interaction, foster long-term involvement, ensure program intensity, include both recreation and work, model positive relationships with adults, monitor school attendance and performance as a condition of participation, ensure a payoff to the youth involved, and foster independence. The adolescent who became involved in the jump rope program took a pledge to report on time, train hard, attend school, and stay drug-free. Her coach commented on the program's philosophy and noted that more than 90 percent of its participants have graduated from high school. Address and telephone number from which to obtain more information about prevention