Drug abuse prevention for high-risk African American children and their families: a review and model program.
In this article we are specifically concerned with the familial and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the exceedingly high prevalence rates of drug abuse in African-American children. In addition to detailing the impact of drug abuse in African-American children and their families, we consider how this critical health problem can be prevented using existing knowledge and strategies known to mental health professionals. A model program entitled Project for a Substance Abuse-Free Environment (SAFE) is outlined. Its objectives are to implement: (a) a broad-spectrum family intervention to empower disadvantaged and high-risk families in their communities: (b) a competency-based skills intervention to increase resilience and decrease drug use and other maladaptive behaviors in at-risk children; (c) alternative activities that will promote self-efficacy, achievement, and self-esteem; (d) a culturally-relevant evaluation plan that includes both formative (process) and summative (outcome) evaluation; (e) a comprehensive approach for assessing project impact; (e) systematic procedures for enhancing the maintenance and generalization of gains in participating children and families.
Center for Psychological Studies, Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314.
V B
VB
Van Hasselt
M
M
Hersen
J A
JA
Null
R T
RT
Ammerman
O G
OG
Bukstein
J
J
McGillivray
A
A
Hunter
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003469:Culture; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*