Risk factors

The fact that program participants could maintain their high scores over the course of the program better than comparison group members suggests that the program may help buffer these youth against many of the risk factors that can affect them at this age. Official court records also supported this finding. A review of the records found no court involvement before or during the program period for any of the 112 participants. Only two participants had committed an offense during the 22-month followup period (both cases of shoplifting).