Program Evaluation of an Adolescent Intervention Program: Substance Use Education Program for At-Risk Adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Substance Abuse Treatment

Background:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions in the U.S., often beginning in adolescence.
• Adolescents arrested for drug/alcohol offenses may be referred to programs like AIP as a jail alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based Adolescent Intervention Program (AIP) for adolescents with substance use issues.
• To assess AIP as a viable alternative to juvenile court intervention for adolescent substance abuse.

Main Methods:

• Quality improvement project utilizing W.K. Kellogg's Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluation.
• Incorporated Empowerment and Culturally Responsive Evaluation approaches.
• Conducted structured interviews with key stakeholders (n=5).

Main Results:

• High program completion rate (estimated 98%) among 2,437 adolescent participants.
• Low recidivism rate reported: 1-2% return for a second try, and 5-6% (5% overall) are sent back to court.
• Stakeholders reported positive outcomes and program effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Faith-based drug and alcohol recovery programs, like AIP, can be effective for adolescent SUD prevention.
• AIP serves as a successful alternative to jail time for adolescents involved with the legal system.
• Recommendations include enhancing data tracking, leadership planning, volunteer support, and parent/adolescent educational resources.