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Citation

Lippold, Melissa A. & Jensen, Todd M. (2017). Harnessing the Strength of Families to Prevent Social Problems and Promote Adolescent Well-Being. Children and Youth Services Review, 79, 432-441.

Abstract

The family context exerts notable influence on many domains of adolescent development and well-being. Recent research indicates that the family has the power not only to help youth get back on course after problems emerge, but that the family can also play a critical role in preventing problems for youth by reducing the severity of a problem or mitigating its occurrence. The purpose of this paper is to outline the promise and challenges of family-based approaches to prevention in social work practice. Research and theory have identified numerous risk and protective factors in the family. Prevention programs that address these risk and protective factors have shown strong evidence of reducing youth risky behavior. Program effects vary based on the strength of program implementation. Agencies often face barriers to implementation including maintaining model fidelity, engaging families, and sustaining funding. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.06.066

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2017

Journal Title

Children and Youth Services Review

Author(s)

Lippold, Melissa A.
Jensen, Todd M.

Article Type

Regular

ORCiD

Jensen T - 0000-0002-6930-899X