If knowledge is power, then the Violence Institute of New Jersey (VINJ) at UMDNJ recently unleashed a mighty resource in the effort to reduce unacceptably high rates of youth violence in the United States. Called SourceBook of Drug and Violence Prevention Programs for Children and Adolescents, it was compiled because, up until now, comprehensive, unbiased information about existing violence and drug management programs was spotty and unreliable. "Not all intervention programs are created equal or aimed at correcting the same problems," explains Lesley Hirsch (bottom right), Director of the New Jersey Safe and Drug-Free Schools Data Project at VINJ. In the aftermath of violent or disturbing episodes on or off school property, when administrators, teachers, counselors and parents are looking for ways to reduce or prevent further flare-ups, the SourceBook provides, in a single volume, a comprehensive and user-friendly directory of available programs.

The 200 page resource – written by research associate Connie Hassett and Hirsch – features in-depth, easy-to-read reviews of 38 programs. Under the leadership of the Executive Director of the Institute, Michael Greene, PhD, the team plans to update and expand their work in future volumes. Meanwhile, everything anyone might need to know before buying into a particular plan for a school is included – right up to the price tag, course materials, contacts, resources, time requirements and effectiveness. "Some readers may be looking for a life-skills/violence prevention program for their middle school; others may be interested in family strengthening interventions for youth who are transitioning out of a detention facility," the authors explain. Price and personnel could be factors.

This book makes each program’s differences as well as successes apparent. For instance, "Across Ages," a research-based mentoring program to improve social competence and boost resistance against alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in middle schoolers ages 10-13, costs up to $1,500 per child and requires a minimum of $2,000 for training sessions with 20 to 25 adults and volunteers. Yet, this program works in both urban as well as suburban neighborhoods, and "exceptionally involved" mentors, age 55 or older, made a "statistically significant" difference in the lives of Philadelphia kids. A reader would also be reassured to know that "Across Ages" comes with a seal of approval from the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse and is one of their model programs.

The SourceBook’s comprehensive information includes charts, comparisons, summaries, and overviews of strategies. Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, it creates an invaluable tool for anyone determined to do something about risky behavior in young people. The response from the violence prevention community on both state and federal levels has been extremely positive, Hirsch says.

For information about obtaining copies of the SourceBook, visit the Violence Institute Web site: http://www.umdnj.edu/vinjweb or call 973- 972-1700.