Making Positive Connections between Law Enforcement and At-Risk Youth: A Formative Evaluation of the Character Be About It Program

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Risk factors exist in many lower income neighborhoods where violence, substance abuse, school dropout and juvenile delinquency occur constantly. The Character: “Be About It” program is a proactive approach that attempts to reduce the amount of risk factors that youth may encounter in their daily lives. The 34-week program uses a trained police officer as a facilitator of a prosocial character curriculum that is presented weekly within schools. The officer uses clear, consistent, and reinforcing messages that convey character skills such as hope, self-regulation, and integrity. Further, the program attempts to increase the connection between local law enforcement and at-risk children. The targeted youth are children in low-income schools in grades 3-8. A formative evaluation of the program illustrates that positive perception and respect of law enforcement increased over the first 16 weeks of the program. Further, youth were active with the officer during class activities and were able to present on what they had been taught throughout the 16-week course. Findings from this initial evaluation offer insight on how officers can capitalize on their influential role in the community as positive role models for at-risk youth.

Authors

• Nicole Shoenberger, Penn State Behrend

• Nicole L. Rosen, Penn State Behrend