Secondary prevention for youth violence: A review of selected school-based programs

In the United States, school violence is an issue of national concern. Many schools have responded to the problem by implementing prevention strategies that are, in general, of limited or unknown efficacy. Therefore, it is imperative that school officials be aware of efficacious school-based secondary violence prevention programs for at-risk youth, in order to select and implement a program that best meets their needs. Early intervention for youth violence at the elementary school level is necessary to prevent violence in adolescence and adulthood. This article reviews reports of studies on seven efficacious school-based secondary prevention programs for youth violence among elementary school children. Programs that show promising results are those that use cognitive-behavioral interventions and social skills training among at-risk elementary school children. We conclude with implications for crisis intervention and brief treatment practices, as well as recommendations for future research.