Prevention Science

Prevention Science is the application of a scientific methodology that seeks to prevent or moderate major human dysfunctions before they occur.  At Kosciusko Cares Youth Services we put this theory into practice.  The basic principles of prevention science include assessing the community to determine the risk and protective factors that are affecting the development of substance use and problem behaviors in the community, and then selecting and implementing evidence-based strategies proven to reduce the risk factors and improve the protective factors.  Furthermore we deliver the strategies with fidelity to what’s proven to work and measure our work for effectiveness.

We have prioritized the following risk factors in Kosciusko County (these are derived from data collected every two years):

• Family Conflict
• Perceived Risk of Drug Use
• Rewards for Anti-social Behavior
• Low Commitment to School