ONLINE PREVENTION NEWS ARCHIVES

Volume 4, Issue 5 - March 19, 2006

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ONLINE PREVENTION NEWS
Information from the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources
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Volume 4, Issue 5
March 19, 2006

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BREAKING NEWS
2006 Wisconsin State Prevention Conference

RESEARCH UPDATES
High-Performing After-School Programs Share Five Common Characteristics
Wisconsin's mental health care system ranks high

FUNDING ALERTS
Teens, Crime, and the Community Initiative
Drug Free Communities Support Program Grants
Inaugural Biennial Student Research Award

TRAINING/WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
The ABCs of Advocacy for Prevention
Aggression and Suicide Among Children and Youth
The 2006 National Summit on the Methamphetamine Epidemic
Advanced Childhood Brain Development Training
National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
National Juvenile Services Training Institute
Youth Court Professional Development Institute
Native American Prevention Program Sharing Conference

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**BREAKING NEWS**

2006 Wisconsin State Prevention Conference
SAVE THE DATE! Wisconsin Prevention 2006: Tools to Build a Prevention Framework will be held July 18-19, 2006, at the new Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Stevens Point. Workshop topics include: *Parents Who Host Lost the Most; *Fearless Advocacy; *Evaluate for Impact; *Bullying Prevention; *Strengthening Families; *Stabilizing Funding; plus MADD President Glynn Birch. Watch for more details online at http://wch.uhs.wisc.edu.
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**RESEARCH UPDATES**

High-Performing After-School Programs Share Five Common Characteristics
Recent research echoes what the after-school field has found over the course of the past decade, that after-school programs can contribute to increased student achievement.  But, perhaps most interesting, the study found after-school programs that helped lead to improved achievement don't necessarily focus on academics.  According to the study, successful after-school programs do not replicate the school day.  Instead, these after-school programs are safety zones where students received homework help and were able to explore new ideas and interests.  Students were also able to develop long-term supportive relationships with adults and peers.  Successful programs had a variety of arts, recreation, and literacy activities and allowed the students free time as well.  This research underscores the importance of after-school programs offering a wide variety of youth-oriented activities, a staff with diverse backgrounds, experienced site coordinators, partnerships with community-based organizations, strong relationships with the day school staff and ongoing communication with participant families.  High-performing after-school projects share the following characteristics around programming, staffing, and support systems: (1) A broad array of enrichment opportunities; (2) Opportunities for skill building and mastery; (3) Intentional relationship building; (4) A strong, experienced leader/manager supported by a trained and supervised staff; and (5) The administrative, fiscal, and professional-development support of the sponsoring organization.  For the full study report, go to www.sedl.org/pubs/fam107/fam107.pdf.
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Wisconsin's mental health care system ranks high
The United States gets a "D" grade in helping adults with serious mental illnesses, according to the first state-by-state report on the nation's mental health care system in more than 15 years. However, Wisconsin is one of only five states that received a "B" in the new report.  "Grading the States: A Report on America's Health Care System for Serious Mental Illnesses," funded by the Stanley Foundation, has been released by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  In addition to Wisconsin, the other states receiving "B" grades were Connecticut, Maine, Ohio, and South Carolina.  Eight states received Fs: Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  Grades were calculated by scoring 39 criteria, based in part on a survey of state mental health agencies conducted in October-December 2005.  The 230-page report, including individual state narratives and scoring tables, is available at www.nami.org/grades.
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**RESOURCES/MATERIALS**

Copy That: Guidelines for Replicating Programs to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) now has available the new guide Rural As research emerges on effective teen pregnancy prevention programs, practitioners in states and communities are often urged to "replicate programs with fidelity."  However, many of those working with youth want to know what it actually means to replicate with fidelity; how to tap needed resources and get guidance on content, implementation, and evaluation; and whether it is advisable to adapt an existing program.  Practitioners also want information about how to find programs effective with specific populations (e.g., gender, age, racial and ethnic groups) and in various settings such as communities and schools.  To help address this important topic, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy has released Copy That: Guidelines for Replicating Programs to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.  The 31-page publication, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and written by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) in consultation with the National Campaign, makes clear that a key step to lowering teen pregnancy rates further is extending the reach of teen pregnancy prevention programs that have shown positive results.  The report provides general guidelines for practitioners considering adopting a program for replication or thinking about preparing their own program for replication.  It features three programs to illustrate different approaches to replication: Plain Talk, CAS-Carrera, and the Teen Outreach Program.  The report discusses the importance of considering internal factors, such as the program model and its effectiveness, as well as external factors, such as the program developers' capacity to replicate, the kinds of partnerships necessary for success, and the potential accessibility of both short- and long-term funding.  Download this publication at www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/reading/pdf/Copy_That.pdf , or go to https://www.teenpregnancy.org/store/item.asp?productId=314 to place an order.
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PACER Center bullying prevention website
A new national bulling prevention website is now available from the PACER Center.  At www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org, children can learn how to challenge bullying.  Through this website, sponsored in part by the Robins, Kaplan, Miller, and Ciresi LLP Foundation for Education, Public Health and Social Justice, second through sixth graders can learn what bullying is, how to respond to it, and how to prevent it.  Children will join 12 animated characters to explore bullying, by playing games, watching videos starring celebrities and real-life kids, viewing webisode cartoons, learning ways to deal with bullying, voting in polls, reading diaries, looking at artwork and stories from other children, entering contests, and more.  Geared for all children, the site includes children with disabilities who can be particularly vulnerable to bullying.  See www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org for more information.
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"Whatever It Takes: How Twelve Communities are Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth"
The American Youth Policy Forum has published "Whatever It Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth."  This 196-page report provides background on the high school dropout problem and describes what twelve communities are doing to reconnect dropouts to education and employment training.  It also describes national program models serving out-of-school youth.  "Whatever It Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Youth" is available online at www.aypf.org/publications/WhateverItTakes/WITfull.pdf.
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**FUNDING ALERTS**

Teens, Crime, and the Community Initiative
The National Crime Prevention Council is accepting applications from youth between the ages of 11 and 19 for its Teens, Crime, and the Community Initiative.  One hundred $500 grants will be awarded through the program, which calls for youth-organized and implemented service-learning projects to provide crime, violence, and drug education and prevention within schools and communities.  Youth interested in applying should be enrolled in a Community Works or Youth Safety Corps program or participate in a youth group or class with at least six members.  The deadline for applications is April 1 and June 1.  For more information, visit www.ncpc.org/programs/tcc/grant.php.
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Drug Free Communities Support Program Grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office for National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) have announced availability of the latest round of Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) grants.  The grants are designed to reduce alcohol and other drug use among youths, and identify and minimize factors that contribute to drug-related problems.  Applicants should be highly organized, involve various groups within the community, and be willing to focus on multiple drugs.  Approximately 120 awards will be granted nationwide from a $12 million fund.  Grant eligibility is restricted to active community-based organizations committed to the goal of a drug-free community.  The deadline for applications is April 10, 2006.  For more information, read the full grant announcement online.
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Inaugural Biennial Student Research Award
Students in The Network: Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other Drug Issues network of schools in the U.S. are invited to apply for the group's Inaugural Biennial Student Research Award.  A $5,000 top prize will be given for original student research on a broad range of topics consistent with the mission of The Network, including alcohol and other drug abuse and violence research and prevention.  Students wishing to apply must work with a student-affairs or academic-research advisor.  In addition to the prize money, the winner will be able to publicly publish the results of his/her work nationwide.  The deadline for application is October 15, 2006. For more information, read the full program requirements online.
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**TRAININGS/WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES**

The ABCs of Advocacy for Prevention

This workshop is being held on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Madison.  Featured are:

•  Sue Thau, Public Policy Consultant representing Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
•  Martha Cranley, Kids Count Coordinator, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families

The ABCs of Advocacy for Prevention training is being provided as a service to members of the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth, Wisconsin Prevention Network, WATODEN, and others who wish to advocate for prevention and positive youth development in Wisconsin.  You are encouraged to attend and to share this information with your friends and colleagues.  Cost of the workshop is only $15 per person, which includes lunch.  Space is limited, so participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.  Registration deadline is April 26, 2006.  You may register by mail or by email.  Get more information on registration, including a copy of the workshop brochure that can be viewed, downloaded, and printed, and a simple registration form which you can save/print and send in by mail or email, online at:  http://wch.uhs.wisc.edu/04-News/04-ABCs2006.htm  or http://www.allianceforwisconsinyouth.org/.  Have questions?  Please contact Susan Allen at The Alliance for Wisconsin Youth at 608-296-9960 or susanrallen@verizon.net.  This is a great opportunity to find out more about the difference between advocacy and lobbying; tools for advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels; how to communicate with elected officials, policymakers, and staff more effectively; and more.
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Aggression and Suicide Among Children and Youth
On May 5, 2006, in Miami, FL, the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment will hold its annual conference, Aggression and Suicide Among Children and Youth: Focus on Gender Differences.  In the light of evidence that boys and girls differ in the development, expression, and consequences of aggressive behavior towards others and themselves, Drs. Jim Larson, Debra Pepler, and Donald Meichenbaum will address these developmental differences in a conference presentation and accompanying workshops.  The conference is targeted to educators, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, mental health workers, marriage and family therapists, social agency personnel, judges, law enforcement, pediatricians, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and others who share their concerns.  The registration deadline is April 21, 2006.  To obtain further information and a registration form, visit www.melissainstitute.org/documents/May2006Conference.pdf.  Also contact the Melissa Institute at 786-662-5210 with further questions.
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The 2006 National Summit on the Methamphetamine Epidemic
The 2006 National Summit on the Methamphetamine Epidemic, Prevention and Intervention: A Comprehensive Jurisdiction-Wide Approach to Solving a Drug Crisis, will be held on May 15-17, 2006 in Memphis, TN.  The summit will feature six comprehensive tracks on law enforcement and social services, including Meth Legislation, Mandates & Regulations; Law Enforcement Interdiction; Meth Prevention Best Practices; Meth and Children; Meth Treatment; and Health Considerations.  Chiefs of Police/Command Staffs, Heads of Police Narcotics Divisions, Substance Abuse Professionals, Prevention Center Directors and Staff, Community Coalition Members, Health Professionals, Public Health Officials, Case Workers and Social Workers, Youth Workers, City Managers, and Elected Officials are encouraged to attend.  For more information and to register, go to www.performanceweb.org/MethAbuse/ .  For a complete conference brochure, go to www.performanceweb.org/MethAbuse/MethAbuse_Summit_L212.pdf.  For a reduced tuition rate, contact Thomas Benson at 703-894-0481 x219 or bentson@performanceweb.org and indicate you heard about the summit from the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources!
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Advanced Childhood Brain Development Training
A two-day advanced childhood brain development training with special emphasis on early childhood development and practical applications will be held at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids (May 16-17, 2006), and the Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee (June 21-22, 2006).  Beginning with prenatal development, this training will cover the biology of the brain; the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect and the behavioral outcomes; social and emotional development with an in-depth look at insecure attachment and intervention strategies; the impact of poverty on the developing brain; nutrition and the brain, including breastfeeding; and the correlation between brain development and leaning.  Registration fees will include lunch and breaks for both days and all training materials, including a CD of all materials presented, binders with all teaching notes, slide sorters, and supporting research articles.  Early education and child care workers, child care administrators, educators, social workers, public health nurses, home visitors, those who work with expectant families, and children and youth of all ages are encouraged to attend.  For more information or to receive a registration brochure, contact Jeanne Erickson at 608-284-0580 ext 301 or jerickson@wccf.org.
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National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The 22nd Annual National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse will be held on June 4-8, 2006, at University of Wisconsin-Stout, in Menomonie, WI.  This unique rural alcohol and drug abuse conference provides participants the opportunity to personally interact with other rural alcohol and drug abuse professionals, federal agency representatives, and nationally-known institute faculty and resource persons.  Key resource persons from throughout the United States will present 12-hour in-depth tracks, 4-hour mini-workshops, and 1-hour special topic sessions on current, innovative, and emerging topics.  There are a number of scholarship opportunities available.  Visit www.uwstout.edu/solutions/conf/nri/ for further information or call 715-232-2793.
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National Juvenile Services Training Institute
On June 9-14, 2006, in Indianapolis, IN, the National Partnership for Juvenile Services (NPJS) will hold its annual National Juvenile Services Training Institute.  Participants will have the opportunity to acquire training and education that will enhance service delivery in their jurisdictions.  Conference training, focus groups, and policy discussions will address such topics as juvenile detention services, community-based programs, and education of youth in confinement.  To obtain further information, visit www.npjs.org/Events/njsti.html.   Questions may be addressed to NPJS at npjs@eku.edu or 859-622-6259.
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Youth Court Professional Development Institute
On June 14-17, 2006, in San Diego, CA, the National Youth Court Center will host the Youth Court Professional Development Institute.  Funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, and the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, this interactive event features a series of intensive training sessions designed to provide administrators and coordinators working with youth, teen, peer, or student court programs with advanced training in youth court and related topics.  Discussions will include effective marketing of youth court to policymakers, research and data collection, enhancing the capacity of state youth court associations, and working with challenging youth and parents.  The registration deadline is May 12, 2006.  Register early for a discounted rate.  To obtain further information and register online, visit www.youthcourt.net/training_ta/2006/SanDiego_Overview.htm .  Also contact the National Youth Court Center at 859-244-8193 for additional information.
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Native American Prevention Program Sharing Conference
Join CSAP's Central CAPT and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Chemical Health Division, American Indian Section, for the 7th Annual Native American Prevention Program Sharing Conference.  Joining Voices will be held on July 17-19, 2006, at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, MN.  Meet and learn about substance abuse prevention programs within the Native American community.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn about specific prevention programs and strategies being implemented with Native American youth audiences; learn about evidence-based programs, principles, and practices; talk with others who are interested in making prevention programs work efficiently and effectively; strengthen a good path of life for youth; strengthen connections among prevention programs throughout the Native American Nations; prepare youth to become good elders; and learn about wellbriety programs and strategies for Native American youth.  Stay tuned for registration information: http://captus.samhsa.gov/central/JoiningVoices.cfm.
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This update has been brought to you by the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources.

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