For example, some activities may address adolescents who are out of school or who have a history of violent or criminal behavior. Other activities may address all young children. Activities suitable for one group may be inappropriate for another because groups and individuals vary in terms of culture, values, knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, experience and other attributes. The selection of target groups should take into account the specific nature of the problem being addressed, the major goals and objectives of the program and community characteristics. For example, members of youth gangs are an appropriate target group if gangs are a problem in the community.
Successful programs have activities that address many target groups.
However, this takes time and a decision must be made about which target groups to address first. There are a few broad categories of target groups that are useful to consider. The setting is the location where a prevention activity occurs. There are four important considerations involved in selecting settings for a prevention activity. First, select a setting where you can reach the target group.