The goals of this research project are to reduce vulnerabilities to later drug use and conduct problems by decreasing risk factors early in children in first grade. Major program objectives are to improve classroom behavior, reduce conflict and aggressive behavior, strengthen family involvement and parenting, and increase children's school attachment and school success. Since the project is research oriented, not all schools will receive intervention services. Half of the schools will be randomly selected as control group sites and will be asked to participate at a minimal level with stipends provided for teachers, children and families who participate. We hope that Utah educators will join with the University to bring high quality services to children and families in their schools.
Information regarding the project and the role of the school is provided below.
Student and Family Involvement Target Population. We will be working with first grade students and their families during the 1997-98 school year and then will continue working with this same group once they are in second grade. Thus, the program will follow-up with these students for a minimum of two years. All families and children in first grade next year will be asked to participate in the project. SAFE project staff will take responsibility for recruitment of the families for the project, but will need the support of the school staff such as teachers and counselors.