AT-RISK STUDENTS - DRUG PREVENTION THROUGH AFTER-SCHOOL LATCHKEY PROGRAMS

The importance of afterschool latchkey programs as a major deterrent t o the onset of drug use among elementary and secondary school students is reviewed. Most of the data in this study support the need for afte rschool latchkey programs, especially at the elementary school level. Elementary school students indicated gains in all diagnostic categorie s. The elementary school students showed positive gain scores in famil y, school, self-esteem, substance use, and personal abuse categories. Elementary school students showed positive gain scores in the substanc e use category while secondary school students showed negative gain in this area. There is a need to reassert the role of afterschool latchk ey programs in the development of socially desirable behaviors in elem entary school students, with a particular need to reassert the role of increasing positive self-esteem in relation to drug use and peer infl uences. Some implications for educational interventions and drug preve ntion programs are discussed.