SPF SIG - Model Programs - Selecting a Model Program

Selecting a Model Program

Selecting a model program best suited for your target population is a systematic process. The community must have ongoing involvement in identifying the problems that need to be prevented. The following set of questions may be helpful in selecting a program that appropriately fits the needs of your community.

Does the program address what we found to be the greatest problem?
Has the program been tested with the target population we have chosen?
Is the program designed for the appropriate age range?
Does it address the domains that our needs assessment has identified as a priority?
Does the program have the focus best suited for our community?
Does the program address risk and protective factors that our needs assessment has identified as a priority?
Do the program's costs fit within our budget?
Would our community be comfortable with the specified intervention components?
Does the program include environmental approaches or will we have to select additional strategies that will blend well with this program?
Can we achieve a degree of program fidelity that will allow us to be confident the program will have the intended effects?
Does the program have the balance of reach and strength that fits our needs?
Do the training and evaluation requirements fall within our capacity for prevention programming?
Does the program address multiple settings using multiple approaches?

A two-dimensional method, incorporating individual and environmental approaches, should also be used when selecting a program to help maximize outcomes. Health is seen as a social issue, in addition to being an individual choice. Prevention approaches are directed at changing public policies to create environments that decrease the probability of substance abuse.

Two-Dimensional method to intervention illustrated:

Individual	Environmental
Approach defines individual problems that place a person at risk.	Approach defines problem at the policy level.
Substance abuse is seen as personal choice.	Substance abuse is seen as both an individual and a systems issue.
Approach consists of short-term programs.	Approach involves long-term policy changes.
Programs are used to change individual behavior.	Strategies are used to influence changes in policies.

[more about Risk & Protective Factors and Domains...]

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