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Session Title: Evaluation of Youth Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions
Multipaper Session 222 to be held in PRESIDIO C on Thursday, Nov 11, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Sponsored by the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health TIG
Chair(s):
Melissa Rivera,  National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions, mrivera@ncprs.org
Out-of-Home Treatment for Youth With Mental Health Needs and Juvenile Justice Involvement
Presenter(s):
John Robst, University of South Florida, jrobst@fmhi.usf.edu
Mary Armstrong, University of South Florida, marmstrong@fmhi.usf.edu
Norin Dollard, University of South Florida, ndollard@fmhi.usf.edu
Abstract: Objective: To examine juvenile justice recidivism for youth with mental health needs who have been removed from the home and have previous contact with the juvenile justice system. Data: Florida Medicaid claims, Child Welfare, and Juvenile Justice data from 2002-2008. The unit of observation was a juvenile justice contact, thus youth can have repeated observations. Methods: Generalized estimating equations for repeated observations and individual fixed effects specifications were used to examine the relationship between juvenile justice recidivism and the receipt of out-of-home mental health treatment within 90 days of the base arrest. Results: Youth with out-of-home treatment had lower rates of rearrest. However, while youth treated in inpatient settings and therapeutic foster care had reduced rates of rearrest, youth treated in therapeutic group care did not. Conclusion: Out-of-home mental health treatment is associated with lower rearrest rates. Inpatient care and therapeutic foster care was more beneficial than group home care.
Establishing Quality Evaluation Methods in New Terrain: Lessons Learned From a Social Host Ordinance Impact Evaluation
Presenter(s):
Kristen Donovan, EVALCORP, kdonovan@evalcorp.com
Shanelle Boyle, EVALCORP, sboyle@evalcorp.com
Julie Slay, EVALCORP, jslay@evalcorp.com
Dan Hicks, Ventura County Health Department, daniel.hicks@ventura.org
Abstract: Social Host Ordinances (SHO) are a rapidly growing approach for reducing underage drinking at “home parties”, and decreasing associated harms to young people, incidences of community disturbance, and other issues stemming from underage drinking in private settings. Across the U.S., numerous cities and counties are implementing SHOs, yet little is known about their actual impacts. To help fill this gap, we conducted what is thought to be one of the first SHO impact evaluations. This presentation will provide: (1) an overview of the impact evaluation methodology, including transferable evaluation approaches and tools, (2) evidence about the impact that the SHOs have made thus far, and (3) evaluation lessons learned and recommendations for practice. Attendees will leave this session better equipped to conduct policy evaluation studies relevant to their own communities.
Reducing School Violence to Improve Mental Health and Scholastic Achievement in New Orleans High Schools
Presenter(s):
Marsha Broussard, Louisiana Public Health Institute, mbroussard@lphi.org
Lisanne Brown, Louisiana Public Health Institute, lbrown@lphi.org
Paul Hutchinson, Tulane University, phutchin@tulane.edu
Nathalie Ferrell, Tulane University, natferrell@gmail.com
Sarah Kohler, Louisiana Public Health Institute, skohler@lphi.org
Abstract: The prevalence of school violence – both its actualization and its threat – can significantly impact upon student well-being, affecting mental health, scholastic achievement, risk behaviors and numerous other aspects of teenagers’ lives. This study examines data from the 2009 School Health Connection Survey, which collected information on experiences with violence by male and female public high school students in New Orleans as well as information on drug and alcohol use, sexual behaviors, socioeconomic background and scholastic achievement. Multilevel multivariate regression analysis incorporating relationship, school, and neighborhood level contextual influences are used to provide an understanding of the relationships between school-based violence and concurrent measures of mental health status (e.g. depression, antisocial behaviors) and scholastic achievement (e.g. attendance, performance).
Evaluation of School Counseling Programs in Rural Middle Tennessee
Presenter(s):
Randall Reiserer, Centerstone Research Institute, randall.reiserer@centerstone.org
Ajanta Roy, Centerstone Research Institute, ajanta.roy@centerstone.org
Brad Martin, Centerstone Research Institute, brad.martin@centerstone.org
Abstract: We present evaluation results for a school-based therapy program implemented in two rural counties of Middle Tennessee for elementary schoolchildren with behavioral and emotional problems. School counselors from a community mental health center used three evidence-informed models (the Circle of Courage, Wrap-around Care Principles, and the 12 Principles of Re-Education) in their work with children. Program counselors also worked with parents and teachers to establish and maintain behavioral goals for the students. Our evaluation measured whether these mental health services and interventions enhanced personal growth, progress at school, and emotional well being by decreasing office referrals and problem severity, and by improving behavioral functioning. Results from the Ohio Scales showed significant decreases in problem severity and improvement in behavioral functioning. Achenbach teacher report data showed improvements in mental health indicators and academic performance. School disciplinary data showed that the counseling program improved school attendance and reduced disciplinary referrals.

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