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Adolescent Drug Use Prevention: Common Features of Promising Community Programs

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Jan. 16, 1992
Report No. PEMD-92-2
Subject
Summary:

GAO examined the design, implementation, and results of 138 community-based drug abuse education programs for adolescents. While definitive evidence is not yet available on program effectiveness, some programs appear to be making much more headway than others. GAO found similarities in how the most promising programs deliver services, even though the services themselves were often quite different. GAO identified six features common to programs associated with high levels of participant enthusiasm and attachment; these were (1) a comprehensive strategy, (2) an indirect approach to drug abuse prevention, (3) the goal of empowering youth, (4) a participatory approach, (5) a culturally sensitive orientation, and (6) highly structured activities. Programs experienced common problems in six areas of program implementation: (1) maintaining continuity with their participants, (2) coordinating and integrating their service components, (3) providing accessible services, (4) obtaining funds, (5) attracting necessary leadership and staff, and (6) conducting evaluations.

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