Needs for Youth Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention in Schools and Communities

Substance abuse and violence among today's youth are at an all time high. Numerous prevention programs have been implemented to address these issues. Not all are successful. Research has found that when schools and communities are involved in the planning of prevention programs, youth are more cognizant of risk factors and of behaviors that strengthen risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the emerging needs for prevention and health education among youth, and to identify effective approaches for prevention program development and service delivery in schools and communities. This study surveyed 312 youth prevention specialists, school and community health educators and counselors, and parents in a regional sample of ten states. Results indicated that substance abuse and violence are the two most critical and priority issues in need of comprehensive prevention. Multiple prevention service delivery strategies appropriate to youth, including training, technical assistance, conferencing and networking, needs assessment and evaluation, and information requests are discussed in detail. Implications for prevention programming emphasized reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, reaching and motivating youth participation.