Evaluating the Implementation of a Family-Focused Prevention Program: Effectiveness of SAFEChildren

THE INTERVENTION PROGRAM. SAFEChildren is a SAMHSA Model Program, U.S. Department of Education Exemplary Program and Rated AA@ Program (highest level scientific evidence) by Drug Strategies, Inc.. The program utilizes multiple family groups for families with children entering first grade and residing in high-risk communities. In addition, children are provided reading tutoring during first grade. SAFEChildren is designed to improve child adjustment to and functioning in school, parental investment in and involvement with the child's education, parenting practices, and child behavior and functioning. The ultimate interest is in preventing antisocial behavior including delinquency, drug use, and school failure during adolescence. Prior efficacy trial studies of SAFEChildren have shown significant immediate and short-term follow up effects (up to 3 years post-intervention) on several key indicators including child aggression and school performance.

THIS STUDY. The present proposal is to evaluate, within a multi-school multi-agency collaboration, the implementation process and quality to test the effectiveness of the SAFEChildren program in inner-city communities within Chicago. This capitalizes on a funded random assignment, longitudinal, effectiveness trial of SAFE Children, which is just beginning. NIJ funding will be used to permit careful and full evaluation of the intervention effects, the process of implementation, how variation in implementation affects impact, and the relation of intervention to cost benefits. The results are likely to yield valuable implications for implementation strategies, the generalizability of utility of the program, and for preventing delinquency and other antisocial behavior in high risk communities.
ca/ncf