Adoption of research-based approaches to prevention is now required by two federal agencies (USDHHS, USDOE) that provide the bulk of funds for community-level AOD prevention programs in California (CSAP/SAPT, SDFSC(TitleIV). Funneled through California's Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP), these federal funds support 58 county ADPs and approximately 425 community-based contract organizations. With USDOE funds the California Department of Education (DOE) operates a parallel program through county offices of education. Based on a history of capacity-based rather than outcome- and results-based activities, California AOD prevention providers face major challenges in changing current operations to adopt research-based approaches at the local level. Dissemination of best/promising practices (B/PP), the approach encouraged by the federal agencies, is making slow progress. Most county ADPs and local contractors prefer to develop their own capacity to undertake research-based approaches. The state ADP and DOE are responding with a broad range of training and technical assistance in addition to supporting B/PP dissemination. This paper describes (1) state ADP and DOE actions to move research-based approaches into practice at local (community) levels; (2) factors at the local level that encourage and impede successful adoption of research-based approaches; (3) California Prevention Collaborative efforts to develop statewide community response; and (4) public health planning issues emerging from the AOD prevention community's response to federal pressure to adopt research-based prevention approaches. California's experience will interest both other states forming their own responses to these federal requirements and the federal agencies involved with their implementation.
Learning Objectives: No special comments
Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Community Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (DADP), California county DADPs, California Department of Education, California county offices of education, not-for-profit community-based organizations delivering prevention services, California P
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.