Based on Research Conducted at OSLC
Three-year study designed to test the efficacy of an integrated, family-centered preventive intervention for adolescent boys involved in the juvenile justice system through the Department of Youth Services.
Project Overview
The ProTeens study was a three-year study designed to test the efficacy of an integrated, family-centered preventive intervention for adolescent boys involved in the juvenile justice system through the Department of Youth Services (DYS). These youth are at high risk for chronic delinquency, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS and are particularly vulnerable to detrimental social, health, and mental health outcomes including chronic offending, drug dependence, and contracting HIV, as well as for a host of additional problems as they age (e.g., AIDS, physical and mental health problems, incarceration, early death). These negative outcomes have serious impacts on youth, families, and the community at large.
The ProTeens sample included 88 boys ages 14-18 and at least one parent or guardian of each boy. Each family was involved with the study for one year. Half of the boys and their parent(s) were randomly assigned to the intervention, which consisted of 16 weekly individual meetings for the boys with a skills trainer and parent training for parents. The other half were assigned to receive services as usual through DYS.
Year Project Began: 2009Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse