Effective Prevention in New Jersey

Regional Prevention Coalitions have been guiding the implementation and use of effective prevention strategies based on their proficiency in using SAMHSA’s SPF model. Below are the five key steps to the SPF model: STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK Assessment involves gathering and using data to identify a priority problem, factors influencing this problem, and resources and readiness to address it. Step 2 Capacity involves building resources and readiness to address the priority problem and its associated factors. Step 3 Planning involves developing a comprehensive plan that details prevention priorities, programs and practices selected to address them, and anticipated outcomes. Step 4 Implementation involves moving the prevention plan into action by fine-tuning selected programs and practices and delivering them as intended. Step 5 Evaluation involves examining how programs and practices are working and using lessons learned to improve them and the plan overall. In addition to the five key steps outlined above, cultural competence and sustainability are integral in the process: Step 1

The following table provides a deeper description of the SPF steps and the core competencies needed for each. xii

CORE COMPETENCIES

DOMAIN

DEFINITION

Assessment is an ongoing process that can include regular and systematic collection, assembly, analysis, and distribution of information on the needs, resources, and community readiness of the population to be served.

• Data gathering • Needs and resource identification • Problem definition • Analysis

Assesment

• Collaboration • Organizational advocacy • Organizational cultural proficiency

Capacity building is a long-term continuing process that involves mobilizing human, organizational, and financial resources to promote and sustain intended outcomes.

Capacity

• Cultural Competence is the ability of an individual or an organization to interact effectively with members of diverse population groups. • Sustainability is the capacity of a community to produce and maintain positive prevention outcomes after initial funding ends and over time.

• Collaborative planning • Cultural inclusion • Systematic thinking • Evidence-informed approaches • Facilitation • Strategic planning

Effective planning involves developing measurable goals and objectives in response to assessment of needs and assets; identifying strategies that are based on knowledge derived from theory, evidence, and practice; and developing logic models that include realistic outcomes and relevant policies, practices, and programs. Implementation is focused on carrying out the various components of the prevention plan in an effective, efficient, culturally sensitive, and ethical manner, as well as identifying and overcoming any potential barriers. Stakeholders and organizations detail the evidence-informed programs, processes, policies, and practices that need to be undertaken, develop specific timelines, and decide on ongoing program evaluation needs. Evaluation determines the reach, effectiveness, and impact of the implementation of the strategic plan and of the programs, processes, policies, and practices. Use appropriate evaluation methods to support improvements, sustainability, and dissemination in a continuous iterative process.

Cultural competence and sustainability should be considered at all steps of the SPF process and are integral to its success in reaching the target population and making a continual impact.

Planning

• Cultural responsiveness • Collaboration • Change management

Implementation

• Culturally informed evaluation approach • Data interpretation and use

Evaluation

Recently, SAMHSA developed the Prevention Core Competencies document to guide our field on the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to implement evidence-based prevention services. Within this document, SAMHSA highlights the key professional skills needed to implement the SPF.

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