Mission

OUR MISSION IS:

1. To assist clients in improving the impact and effectiveness of their educational interventions. 
   
   We focus on evaluating programs that target a reduction in adolescent risk behaviors. Our well-tested research methods are rigorous and reliable. One of our major research strategies is to identify the key program elements that clients assume will affect adolescent risk behaviors, and to test those elements in the context of other proven predictors of risk behavior. This approach aids the client in making program modifications and improvements, if needed, and in becoming more effective at reaching program goals.
   
   With over 30 years of practical field experience and over 100 program evaluations (resulting in a data base of over 900,000 adolescents), we are confident that our services will benefit those programs whose purpose is to be effective at reducing risk behavior.
   
   
2. To evaluate existing research evidence about prevention program impact using credible scientific criteria for program effectiveness. 
   
   The field of prevention program research has developed scientifically derived standards that are recommended to be met in order for prevention programs to claim evidence of effectiveness: 1) Outcome studies should be of adequate scientific quality and 2) Program results should demonstrate adequate effectual power. We employ this scientific lens to evaluate—and when necessary, to rebut—published claims of prevention program effectiveness that are based on purported scientific evidence.