The Communities That Care (CTC) program represents a science-backed framework designed to empower communities in addressing adolescent health and behavioral challenges. This initiative centers on tackling empirically identified risk and protective factors that significantly influence young people’s well-being. At its core, the CTC prevention planning system fosters the creation and development of local coalitions comprising diverse stakeholders. These coalitions are then equipped and guided to implement evidence-based prevention strategies. The primary aim of CTC is to enhance the quality and reach of proven preventive interventions within communities, specifically targeting widespread risk factors associated with problematic adolescent behaviors, including concerns like gang involvement which is a known risk factor for juvenile delinquency.
CTC provides a structured approach for coalitions to formulate strategic community prevention plans. These plans are meticulously tailored to address each community’s unique profile of risk and protective factors, utilizing rigorously tested and effective programs implemented with fidelity. The program emphasizes continuous monitoring of program implementation and periodic reassessment of community risk and protection levels, alongside youth outcomes. This data-driven approach allows for necessary adjustments in prevention programming, ensuring interventions remain relevant and impactful. The implementation of Communities That Care Program unfolds across five distinct stages, each marked by specific benchmarks and milestones that serve as a roadmap for progress and monitoring. To facilitate effective adoption, CTC is introduced to communities through a series of six training events, expertly delivered by certified CTC trainers over a period of 6 to 12 months.
A comprehensive 24-community study, employing random assignment to treatment and control groups, demonstrated the profound impact of the communities that care program. The study revealed significant reductions in the initiation of alcohol use, cigarette smoking, delinquent behaviors, and violence among youth exposed to CTC through the end of high school. Notably, young individuals who participated in CTC from Grades 5 through 9 exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of abstaining from substance use and delinquency through Grade 12. This positive trend persisted even with limited exposure to evidence-based prevention programs after Grade 9. Key findings from this study include:
- 32% increased likelihood of abstaining from any drug use.
- 31% increased likelihood of never using gateway drugs (alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana).
- 31% increased likelihood of abstaining from alcohol use.
- 3% increased likelihood of abstaining from cigarette smoking.
- 18% increased likelihood of never committing a delinquent act.
- 14% reduced likelihood of ever committing a violent act.
These compelling results underscore the lasting positive effects of the communities that care program on youth behavior and health outcomes.
Risk Factors Addressed by the Communities That Care Program
The communities that care program is designed to address a range of risk factors that contribute to adolescent problem behaviors. These risk factors are categorized across different domains, allowing for a comprehensive and targeted prevention approach.
Individual Risk Factors
- Antisocial/delinquent beliefs
- Gang involvement in adolescence
- Physical violence/aggression
Family Risk Factors
- Family history of problem behavior/criminal involvement
- Family violence (child maltreatment, partner violence, conflict)
School Risk Factors
- Low school attachment/bonding/motivation/commitment to school
- Poor school attitude/performance; academic failure
- School attendance issues
Community Risk Factors
- Availability and use of drugs in the neighborhood
- Availability of firearms
- Community disorganization
- Low neighborhood attachment
Peer Risk Factors
- Association with antisocial/aggressive/delinquent peers; high peer delinquency
- Peer alcohol/drug use
By focusing on these key risk factors, the communities that care program provides a robust framework for fostering healthier and safer communities for adolescents. The program’s evidence-based approach and community-centered strategy make it a valuable tool for prevention efforts nationwide.
References:
Hawkins, J. D., Oesterle, S., Brown, E. C., Arthur, M. W., Abbot, R. D., Fagan, A. A., & Catalano, R. F. (2009). Results of a type 2 translational research trial to prevent adolescent drug use and delinquency: A test of Communities That Care. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, 163(9), 789-798.
Hawkins, J. D., Oesterle, S., Brown, E. C., Abbot, R. D., Catalano, R. F. (2014). Youth problem behaviors 8 years after implementing the Communities That Care prevention system. A community-randomized trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 168(2), 122-129.
Oesterle, S., Hawkins, J. D., Kuklinski, M. R., Fagan, A. A., Fleming, C., Rhew, I. C., Brown, E. C., Abbott, R. D., & Catalano, R. F. (2015). Effects of Communities that Care on males’ and females’ drug use and delinquency 9 years after baseline in a community-randomized trial. American Journal of Community Psychology, 56, 217-228.
