(Recommended Length: 1 page)
This section should describe the program’s philosophical framework and document its theoretical base and research support in substance abuse and other fields to ensure accuracy, efficacy, and credibility of approach. Please include a statement as to the program's adherence to a message of no use of any illegal drug or no illegal or high-risk use of alcohol or legal drugs.
The applicant should address the following questions:
- What is the philosophy or conceptual framework on which the program is based?
- Examples include social development model, public health model, asset development, stages of change.
- How does the program's philosophy reflect a "no illegal or high-risk use" message for alcohol and drugs?
Sample Philosophy
Conceptual Framework Used in Program Development
STARS program is a youth training and support program developed by the Great Prevention Agency as a selected intervention for at risk early adolescence. There are three major components to the STARS Program: Training of Teachers, Mentoring, and Community Service Opportunities. The Training of Teachers component uses a youth-focused curriculum that is based on the life skills of conflict resolution, problem solving, peer resistance, and communication patterns. These skills were determined by 20 years of research investigations conducted by Dr. Gilbert Botvin to be critical for healthy child development (Botvin, 1991). The mentoring and community service components are based on the social development model that evolved from the research of Drs. Hawkins and Catalano, et al. The three components are implemented in a step-wise approach toward building effective life skills, connecting to a positive role model, and giving back to the community.
Clear and Consistent “No Use” Message
As in every youth program conducted by the Great Prevention Agency, participants of the STARS program receive a strict no use message.