Continuation PYS to analyze data on violence and serious Delinquency

The Pittsburgh Youth Study (PYS) examines the course of delinquency, substance use, and mental health problems in three samples of males. The samples were randomly drawn in 1987-88 from boys enrolled in the public schools in Pittsburgh, and after a screening procedure to increase the prevalence of high risk youth in the sample, have been regularly followed since then. Data collection has initially been funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention until 1991. From 1992 until 1997 data collection was funded by NIMH, and since 1997 has been funded by NIDA. Secondary data analyses have been funded by OJJDP since 1993. CA/NCF

The Pittsburgh Youth Study is a longitudinal study of problem and successful behavior over the life course that focuses on delinquency, drug use, victimization, and mental health. The study is part of OJJDP's Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency. Supported by OJJDP since the mid-1980s, research findings from this study have contributed extensively to the field's understanding of juvenile delinquency, victimization and associated risk and protective factors. This grant award is for two purposes: (1) to work collaboratively with OJJDP (and its designee, the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data), to archive the PYS research study data for public use, and (2) to conduct analysis and develop reports on topics of specific interest to OJJDP and CDC. This award includes $300,000 in funds transferred from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
NCA/NCF

OJJDP FY 09 Demonstration Programs Division Grants was established to provide grants, cooperative agreements and other assistance to organizations designated by OJJDP, as authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. Sections 5601 et seq.) and statutes appropriating funds for juvenile justice programs.

This grant will facilitate two primary activities pertaining to the Pittsburgh Youth Study, a longitudinal research study which is part of OJJDP's larger Program of Research on the Correlates and Causes of Delinquency. First, in coordination with OJJDP staff, the PYS researchers will start the process of archiving the Pittsburgh Youth Study data files.

Second, they will work with OJJDP to improve dissemination of the findings from the Pittsburgh Youth Study and the Causes and Correlates studies by means of (a) the creation of a website dedicated to the findings of the study; and (b) the preparation of Policy Briefs based on key findings from the Pittsburgh Youth Study. NCA/NCF