THE NEED FOR COMMON PRINCIPLES IN PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND FAMILIES

This article provides a critique of the proposed Development-In-Contex t Evaluation (DICE) model as a prevention approach for children, adole scents, and families who are at risk. An analysis of the model's theor etical basis, referred to as developmental contextualism is provided a nd the proposed prevention strategy's strengths and weaknesses are ass essed. Although the DICE model offers a comprehensive approach to prev ention and has many positive aspects, problems may result from disprop ortionate reliance on community involvement and a somewhat restricted role for university-based scholars. Insufficient attention is devoted to the identification of common principles for prevention strategies w hich generalize across local interests, foster equality of circumstanc es, and function to integrate the larger society.