CASASTART Massachusetts: preventing substance abuse and delinquency for 8-13 year olds from 150 families in five high risk Massachusetts communities with proven school and community-based services.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, on behalf of the Governor's Interagency Council for Substance Abuse and Prevention, and in cooperation with five community coalitions, seeks to implement CASASTART prevention and intervention programs for 150 families of youth ages 8-13. CASASTART is a community-based, school-centered intervention program for high risk youth which has proven positive outcomes for youth, their families and the community. Massachusetts seeks funding to advance implementation of CASASTART programs in five communities with the goals of strengthening collaboration among community agencies, improving the delivery and impact of services, evaluating practice and outcomes, and sustaining services.

The participating communities represent every region in the state; each has a disproportionately high number of youth who are at high risk for or involved in delinquency, substance abuse, school failure, family violence, and social and behavioral problems. With necessary start up activities accomplished, the applicant seeks funding to continue direct services, conduct an independent evaluation of the program, and improve/enhance program components in response to lessons learned from the evaluation. Massachusetts seeks funding to support the community-based change necessary to improve the health, well-being and futures of their youth.
CA/NCF