We live in a community where there is a complex relationship between problem behaviors, risk factors and protective factors with which our teens, and consequently our community, must deal. There are several organizations which facilitate that task, including the partnering agencies within the Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc. coalition. Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) provides a structure of support for the CIS coalition connected to a statewide prevention network. Communities That Care (CTC) is a prevention model based on the risk-focused framework and provides structure in making informed decisions concerning prevention services through annual assessments.
Each year since 1994 KCTC has administered a youth survey free of charge throughout the state. The survey tracks teen use of harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. In addition, the survey provides a baseline for teen participation in, perception of, and attitudes toward both pro-social and antisocial behavior at the peer, school, family and community levels. It provides a measurable level of risk and protective factors that influence behavior, attitudes, and opinions of Kansas teens. The survey is voluntary for all districts and students in the State and is offered for students in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.
The KCTC Student Survey contains questions about related risk and protective factors; and demographics. Risk-focused prevention is based on a simple premise: To prevent a problem from happening, we need to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing and then find ways to reduce the risks. Just as medical researchers have found risk factors for heart attacks such as diets high in fats, lack of exercise, and smoking, research has defined a set of risk factors for drug abuse. Problem behaviors include substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop-out and violence. Risk Factors include aspects within community, family, school and peers.
Based on the research, CTC also identified protective factors and processes that work together to buffer children from the effects of high-risk exposure and lead to the development of healthy behaviors. Healthy behaviors start with healthy beliefs and clear standards and are built with attachment and commitment to families, schools, communities and peer groups by providing opportunities, skills and recognition while nurturing individual characteristics. Each risk and protective factor can be linked to specific types of interventions that have been shown to be effective in either reducing risk(s) or enhancing protection(s).
It is important that communities, youth-serving agencies, schools, and other groups have an awareness of the levels of risk and protective factors experienced by youth. Using this information, there are many strategies available to minimize harm and enhance strengths. Schools can implement tested, effective prevention curricula among their students. Communities can partner with parents, schools, substance abuse prevention coalitions, and youth themselves to reduce risk and enhance protection in all domains of a young person’s life.
KCTC information and county data can be accessed at www.ctcdata.org. Information on CIS of Marion County, Inc. is available at www.cismarioncounty.org.
Article compiled & edited by Charles
Rempel, Prevention & Technology Coordinator
Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc.
Articles by agency staff, individuals and partners are funded by a Drug Free Community grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration to Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc. If you are interested in learning more about prevention and other information pertaining to services, children, youth and families, contact Linda Ogden, Executive Director at 620-947-3184 or LOgden@cismarioncounty.org.