Assisting in Rehabilitating Kids (ARK)
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The goal of Assisting in Rehabilitating Kids (ARK) is to increase abstinence and safer sex behaviors among substance-dependent adolescents. This 12-session intervention is delivered to small groups of youth over a period of 28 days and provides education, behavioral skills training, and motivational risk-sensitization manipulation.
During the first two sessions, the students are taught standard HIV and STD information. In the next five sessions, behavioral skills are addressed and students are provided with information about correct condom use, partner negotiation, and skills which can help them refuse unwanted sex. The following four sessions teach problem-solving and anger management skills and the final session focuses on the motivational aspects of behavior change.
During the first two sessions, the students are taught standard HIV and STD information. In the next five sessions, behavioral skills are addressed and students are provided with information about correct condom use, partner negotiation, and skills which can help them refuse unwanted sex. The following four sessions teach problem-solving and anger management skills and the final session focuses on the motivational aspects of behavior change.
Goal / Mission
The goal of Assisting in Rehabilitating Kids (ARK) is to increase abstinence and safer sex behaviors among substance-dependent adolescents.
Impact
The ARK program successfully increased sexual abstinence among those who received all components: health information, behavior skills training, and risk-sensitization manipulation, with the inclusion of the latter being more resistant to decay over time.
Results / Accomplishments
In one study, ARK participants were compared to a group of students who received standard health education. The study found that a significantly greater percentage of participants who received the ARK intervention reported abstinence (p<0.05) and a significantly lower frequency of unprotected vaginal sex (p<0.05) when compared to the health education group at both the 6- and 12- month follow-up intervals.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Mississippi State University - Meridian
Primary Contact
Dr. Janet St. Lawrence
Mississippi State University – Meridian
Division of Arts & Sciences
1000 Hwy 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307-5799
jlawrence@meridian.msstate.edu
Mississippi State University – Meridian
Division of Arts & Sciences
1000 Hwy 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307-5799
jlawrence@meridian.msstate.edu
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
Mississippi State University - Meridian
Source
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date of publication
Aug 2002
Date of implementation
1995
Location
Mississippi
For more details
Target Audience
Teens
Additional Audience
substance-dependent youth