This prevention program is offered to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade middle school students (ages 11-14) in Wayne and Holmes Counties.  The intent is to prevent and/or delay the onset of use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). 

The methodology of the program model is research-based; it is a “best practice” model program from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  The program seeks to develop positive personal characteristics in young adolescents and targets drug use, violence, and premature sexual activity. It is a guided, multi-year program delivered to all students in the targeted grades.

Accordingly, its design is intended to assist young people in developing qualities that will motivate them to avoid drug use and high risk behaviors; reduce the use of gateway drugs i.e. alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and inhalants; help them to develop meaningful relationships with each other  and institutions that serve them; and to motivate youth to develop positive characters and lifestyles.

The program presents its contents over 5 domains:  Individual, Family, Peer, School and Community.  The Individual is comprised an after-school ATOD peer-led curricula, and community service and life/social skills training.  The Family is comprised of task-oriented family education sessions and parenting skills training; the Peer is characterized by peer-resistance education.  The School involves changes in teaching approaches and parent involvement, classroom drug education, and a support group and skills development class. For the Community, education efforts are focused on altering perceptions of societal norms and expectations.

 

Delivery Strategy:

The Core Program is provided weekly for 13 consecutive weeks in the classroom of each grade targeted – each 45 minute curriculum module focuses on building one or more of five (5) qualities: pro-social ideals, normative beliefs, personal commitment, prosocial bonding, and positive parental/adult attentiveness.  Students are engaged through small group activities, group discussions, enjoyable/meaningful worksheet tasks, and videotaping.

Students also receive take-home assignments to complete with the involvement of their parents.  At the conclusion of the Core Program, a celebration is held for student graduates and their parents.

One year after the Core Program is completed, a “booster” program  is delivered to the same group which previously received the core program – this consists of 7 consecutive weekly modules in the classroom, and an eighth session is a one-on-one between the student and staffer.