There is more to the international transfer of prevention programs than just hitting the “copy and paste” buttons. The introduction of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program to Ireland offers insights into how to succeed.
Social Development Model
Developed by David Hawkins and Richard Catalano, the Social Development Model underpins a wide range of research and intervention activities undertaken by the Social Development Research Group. The model specifies a number of key risk factors that contribute to the development of delinquent behaviors, drug abuse, risky sexual behavior and school failure. To mitigate the negative impact of these risks, bonding to school, pro-social family members and peers, and clear standards and norms of behavior are conceptualized as key protective factors and that children need to be provided with the opportunities, skills and recognition to develop these.
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Few people working with children will have heard the term “prevention scientist,” let alone know what one is or does. Yet this relatively new breed of researcher is behind the growing list of evidence-based programs being promoted in western developed countries. A new publication puts them under the microscope.
Crime and antisocial behavior prevention efforts have flourished over the last 10 years in the US. This progress can and should be used to help communities improve the life chances of their young people, a recent update urges.
Given the well-known barriers to implementing evidence-based programs, is it better to identify their discrete elements and trust practitioners to combine them in tailored packages depending on the needs of the child and family in question?