This study compared and contrasted decision-making across community sectors involved in youth violence prevention. Seven focus groups were conducted using open-ended questions to identify factors considered when individuals choose behaviors to target, select interventions, and identify essential elements for prevention programs. Purposive sampling was used to identify individuals from education, community service, public health/public policy, law enforcement/judiciary, health care, faith, and youth. Each focus group represented a sector of the community. The sample (n=82) included 60% female, 67% holding graduate degrees and 52% having training related to violence. Fifty-nine percent had been in their current position for > 5 years. Sixty percent were Caucasian, 32% African-American, 5% Asian and 3% Hispanic. Youth comprised 12% of the sample. Transcript-based content analysis using NVIVO software identified common themes among and across sectors. Educators focused on behaviors that disrupted the school process, while others sectors focused on precursors of violent behavior and development of desirable behaviors. Educators were concerned about program implementation and program fit with numerous demands. Public health/public policy participants identified outcome measures, benchmarks and a match between funding and effective programs as essential elements. Youth identified the need for respect from adults and recognition of positive youth behaviors. All groups underscored the importance of youth/parental involvement in programs, the lack of a scientific base for many programs and concerns about youth exposure to violence and inappropriate role models in multiple environments. Understanding similarities and differences in focus among key sectors is essential to developing coordinated approaches to youth violence prevention.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe six factors considered when individuals choose behaviors to target, select interventions, and identify essential elements for youth violence prevention programs. 2. Compare and contrast the decision-making process related to youth violence prevention program planning across seven community sectors. 3. Understand the impact of the differences of emphasis in the decision-making process on developing coordinated approaches to youth violence prevention
Keywords: Youth Violence, Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.