Evidence for a deterrent effect on violent behavior is certainly preferable, and programs demonstrating this effect will be given preference in selection, all other criteria being equal. However, this has not proved to be a determining factor in the selection of the first ten model Blueprint programs. Both primary and secondary prevention effects, i.e., reductions in the onset of violence, delinquency or drug use compared to control groups and pre-post reductions in these offending rates compared to control groups meet this criteria. Demonstrated changes in the targeted risk and protective factors, in the absence of any evidence of changes in delinquency, drug use or violence was not considered adequate to meet this criterion. Multiple Site Replication.
Replication is an important element in establishing program effectiveness.
It establishes the robustness of the program and its prevention effects and its exportability to new sites. This criterion is particularly relevant for selecting model programs for a national prevention initiative where it is no longer possible for a single program designer to maintain personal control over the implementation of his or her program. Adequate procedures for monitoring the integrity of implementation must be in place, and this can be established only through actual experience with replications. A number of programs have demonstrated initial success in deterring delinquency, drug use, and violence during the course of treatment or over the period during which the intervention was being delivered and reinforcements controlled. This selection criterion requires that these short-term effects be sustained beyond treatment or participation in the designed intervention.