Evaluating an Adverse Childhood Experience-Targeting Advocate Model of a Substance Use Prevention Program

Summary

Primary Objective: Conduct a rigorous evaluation of a prevention-based intervention designed to mitigate the harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) exposure and prevent future ACEs, substance use, and overdose within 36 communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of substance use and ACEs.

The study has three aims: (1) use a cluster randomized controlled trial to test effectiveness of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) + Family Advocate (FA) intervention on substance use, overdose, and ACEs in 18 communities compared with SFP-only in 18 communities; (2) conduct a robust process evaluation informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore implementation barriers and facilitators; and (3) conduct a cost evaluation to accurately estimate the costs required to implement SFP and SFP+FA and assess the cost-effectiveness of SFP+FA relative to SFP alone. Findings will provide a roadmap about the best ways to help disproportionately affected communities prevent substance use, overdose, and ACEs.

Conditions

• Substance-Related Disorders
• Adverse Childhood Experiences

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Strengthening Families Program + Family Advocate

This intervention will integrate clinically trained, trauma-informed Family Advocates (FA) into the established, evidence-based Strengthening Families Program (SFP). Families will participate in the SFP7-17 curriculum, which consists of 11 sessions over 10-14 weeks. FAs will assist families in accessing community resources for substance use and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) prevention and treatment.

BEHAVIORAL

Strengthening Families Program

This intervention consists of the SFP7-17 Group Class Curriculum. Families will participate in the SFP7-17 curriculum, which consists of 11 sessions over 10-14 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• New Jersey Prevention Network

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• RTI International

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Phillip W. Graham, DrPH · RTI International

• Dallas J Elgin, PhD · RTI International

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

7 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-11-29

Primary Completion

2026-10-31

Completion

2027-09-29

Countries

• United States

Study Locations