Model Program

The Adolescent Transitions Program (ATP) is a multilevel, family-centered intervention targeting children who are at risk for problem behavior or substance use. Designed to address the family dynamics of adolescent problem behavior, it is delivered in the middle school setting to parents and their children. The parent-focused curriculum concentrates on developing family management skills such as making requests, using rewards, and providing reasonable consequences for rule violations. Strategies targeting parents are based on evidence about the role of coercive parenting strategies in the development of problem behaviors in youth. The program focuses on arresting the development of teen antisocial behaviors by improving parents' family management and communication skills.

Program Descriptors Include:
Behavior Management/Discipline, Family/Parental Involvement, Substance Abuse

Starting Date: Unspecified
Students Served Per Year: Unspecified
Last Verified: 2009

Program addresses the following:

Individual factors

• High-risk social behavior

Program promotes the following:

Relationships

• Clear social norms
• Good relationships with parents, peers, and teachers
• Perception of support from adults and peers

Independence

• Healthy/conventional beliefs and standards

Optimism

• High expectations by community, family, school, and self

A two-year randomized clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the parent and teen interventions. The most recent evaluation was a four-year randomized trial of the parent-focused ATP component with eight small community samples in Oregon. Relevant findings include decreased total problem behavior,reduced youth smoking behavior and decreased antisocial behavior at school.

How evaluation data was collected:
Data collected and analyzed at state or organizational level