In today's society, parents, educators and community leaders are searching for programs and policies that will keep our children safe. Although there are no easy answers --- in part because so many complex issues are involved --- one proven strategy is to provide accessible, community-based prevention programs. Such programs come in many different forms, from social skills training to anger management. However, following an extensive review process, the National Mental Health Association has identified five core components common to some of the nation's most effective prevention programs.

• Effective programs are theory driven and backed with a scientifically valid rationale.
  
• Effective programs are tested and proven, having been evaluated to determine that the programs achieve their goals.
  
• Effective programs do more than impart information, requiring a significant time investment-from several weeks to several years-to significantly influence behaviors and skills.
  
• Effective programs are holistic, and focus on reducing risk factors and supporting healthy development by addressing multiple aspects of a child's life and environment.
  
• Effective programs are replicable in a variety of settings, which are accessible, community-friendly and culturally sensitive.

Exemplary Prevention Programs

Following are brief descriptions of six exemplary prevention programs-each of which has received NMHA's annual Lela Rowland Prevention Award:

• I Can Problem Solve-an interpersonal problem-solving skills program designed for children between the ages of 2 and 12. It teaches children not what to think, but how to think in ways that help them resolve interpersonal problems. Contact: Myrna Shure, Ph.D., Hahnemann University, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (215) 762-7205.

• Primary Mental Health Project-a school-based early identification and intervention program designed for children in kindergarten through third grade who are experiencing or are at risk for early school adjustment problems. Main services include 1) systematic early detection and screening; 2) establishing specific goals and objectives for working with each child; and 3) providing immediate, intensive helping services. Contact: Deborah Johnson Children's Institute 274 N. Goodman Street, Suite D103 Rochester, New York 14607 (585-295-1000, ext. 224).

• Improving Social Awareness/Social Problem Solving Project-an eight-step social decision making strategy with practice in applying these skills in real life and in academic problem areas. Contact: John F. Clabby, Ph.D., University of Medicine/Dentistry NJ, Piscataway, NJ or Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., Rutgers University, Department of Psychology, New Brunswick, NJ (201) 932-2444.

• School Development Program-Three teams work closely to develop a comprehensive plan to improve school climate, allow teachers to acquire skills that promote personal growth among students, and enhance the curriculum in schools in low-income and minority communities. Decision making is shared, and parents play key roles in school activities. Contact: James P. Comer, M.D., School Development Program, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT (203) 785-2548.

• Social Competence Promotion Program for Young Adolescents-Adolescents in grades five through eight receive intensive instruction on social problem-solving skills and learn how to apply these skills to cope with stressful situations, prevent substance abuse and high risk sexual behavior. Contact: Roger P. Weissberg, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL (312) 413-1012.

• Prenatal/Early Infancy Project (PEIP)-Nurses provide home visits to poor, unmarried and teenage pregnant women and their children. The program is designed to prevent maternal and child health problems (child abuse and neglect, infant mortality and morbidity, childhood injuries, unintended and closely spaced pregnancies) as well as to facilitate parents' occupational and educational achievement. Contact: David Olds, Ph.D., University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, Rochester, NY (716) 275-3738.

National Prevention Coalition (NPC)

The National Prevention Coalition, led and staffed by NMHA, brings together 26 organizations concerned about the mental health of children and adults. The Coalition focuses on issues such as advocating for greater prevention funding at the federal level, joining prevention advocates and researchers, and bridging the gap between prevention research and service delivery.

For more information on prevention and children's mental health --- including the books Getting Started: The NMHA Directory of Model Programs to Prevent Mental Disorders and Promote Mental Health and Getting Started: The NMHA Guide to Establishing Community-Based Prevention Programs --- contact NMHA's Information Center at (800) 969-6642 or visit NMHA's website at http://www.nmha.org.