Sweeney P, Ricci R; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2004 : San Diego, Calif.).
Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2004; 21: abstract no. 1789.
University of Pittsburgh, Center for Public Health Practice, 3109 Forbes Ave. #210, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 Tel. 412.383.2231 Fax 412.383.2228
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To review community studies, reports and data sets reporting on the prevalence of risk factors which are precursors to adolescent substance abuse, pregnancy, school dropout, delinquency, and violence. The findings and data from these sources were compared to national and state data and were synthesized into a strategic plan outlining intervention tactics and modalities to assist at-risk adolescents and their families. STUDY DESIGN: Representatives from government, juvenile justice, social services, health care, law enforcement, education, religion, ethnic and minority groups, civic organizations, public health, media and families, were intentionally recruited to join the community planning team. The 120 member team was divided into 6 work groups. Data was collected and analyzed to identify the most significant risk factors present in the community. Community assets to address risk factors were assessed, the juvenile justice system decision making processes were analyzed, and the legal and policy issues constraining cross system collaboration were studied. Plenary meetings were held to synthesize the finding of each team and then a strategic plan of intervention tactics and modalities was developed. POPULATION STUDIED: The target population was the youth and families residing in Mahoning County, OH, an economically challenged community of 240,000 in Northeast Ohio. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The reviews of evidence analyzed by the teams showed that the four areas of greatest risk for youth and families in Mahoning County, Oh include: 1) extreme economic deprivation, 2) parental involvement in the problem behavior, 3) early and persistent antisocial behavior, and 4) youth who feel disenfranchised and as a result demonstrate alienation and rebelliousness. With minor exceptions, social and community services were adequately available to meet these youth and family needs. However, systemic issues were identified which universally affected commitment to reducing risk: community acceptance of crime, systemic community prejudice and isolationism CONCLUSIONS: The need to create a set of strategies to address the issues reported in the Findings was the paramount conclusion of the planning team. Specifically, this study shows that adequately addressing adolescent risk factors requires cross-system, cross-community cooperation to identify and alter existing institutional and attitudinal barriers. Such systematic changes are required to build trust and change the community culture away from a culture of acceptance and tolerance of crime and prejudice to a culture that exemplifies strong character and quality of life for all members of the community. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Community planning efforts which focus solely upon the direct service needs of youth and families fail to address the societal conditions which underlie the risk factors. Developing strategic intervention to address these issues far exceed traditional community planning initiatives. Funders and community planners need to recognize that such systematic changes require long term assistance and support and a long term commitment from community leaders. In Mahoning County, Ohio, this commitment to address systemic and attitudinal problems has resulted in increased community capacity to collaboratively address community issues, and successfully secure funding for needed services and has resulted in the successful implementation of the identified strategic interventions
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Behavior
- Child Welfare
- Crime
- Culture
- Delivery of Health Care
- Family
- Female
- Health Planning
- Health Services
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Ohio
- Organizations
- Pregnancy
- Program Development
- Public Health
- Research
- Residence Characteristics
- Risk Factors
- Social Work
- Student Dropouts
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Violence
- education
- methods
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103624823
From Meeting Abstracts