SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR AT-RISK POPULATIONS - PRACTICAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES

Schools have a long history of serving as sites for prevention efforts . However, many practical and ethical difficulties still surround the conduction of research within these settings. Such issues are particul arly salient when prevention efforts are directed at high-risk childre n, a population that poses unique concerns for researchers. These conc erns are addressed within the context of the experiences of the resear chers' implementation and empirical evaluation of a school-based preve ntion program for elementary-aged children of alcoholics who self-sele cted into the intervention. Practical issues of gaining entry into the school system and acceptance and cooperation from school personnel ar e presented. Ethical issues of parental consent, voluntary nature of p articipation, and confidentiality are discussed within the context of at-risk children. Suggestions are offered for preventionists seeking t o work in schools, and issues warranting further consideration among e xperts in the field are discussed.