Each year over 500 youth are arrested in Marion County for alcohol-related illegal behavior. Methodist Hospital had a court-mandated adult alcohol awareness program. Increasing numbers of 16 year olds were being referred to the program. Methodist Hospital was asked by the Superior Court Juvenile Division and the Governor's Council on Highway Safety to develop a program specifically for teens.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of the FACT program was to reduce the incidence of alcohol use and abuse in high-risk youth who, through recidivism, already demonstrate a propensity for trouble. To do this, the program sought to change both adolescents' and parents' attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol use and its consequences. The arrest rate and recidivism rate of FACT program participants would be measured against those who had not completed the program to determine the program's effectiveness. The hope was that the current recidivism rate of 16 percent would drop to 12 percent in the first year.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The program was begun in December 1994. The steering committee includes a trauma nurse, the alcohol program coordinator from Methodist Hospital, a juvenile superior court judge, a juvenile superior court staff member and a psychologist. The program is nine hours long, held in two sessions on two consecutive days (from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) This gives participants time to process some of the information between sessions. Both the teen and the teen's parent are court-ordered to attend.

The first day of the program uses an educational format with interactive games and video to increase knowledge of basic alcohol facts and statistics, injury prevention and legal and financial consequences. The day ends with a tour of the emergency room and trauma suite. The second day includes a strong emphasis on alcohol-related injury, permanent disability and death. Through the use of role-playing, injury simulation and tours of the rehabilitation areas, critical care unit and morgue, the session tries to have teens acknowledge their own mortality. The day ends with defining family contracts for alcohol use and the consequences of its use.

The Marion Superior Court Juvenile Division is the primary referral source. Other sources include case workers, schools, counselors/therapists, concerned parents and church staff. The program is offered once a week, 48 weeks of the year.

RESULTS

In the first 12 months of the program, the recidivism rate dropped to 12 percent. In the first 18 months, it dropped to 10 percent. There were 183 referrals from Juvenile Court, 144 of whom attended the program. Most FACT participants (92 percent) believed that the program will influence their decision not to drink and 89 percent indicated they will abide by the pledge they signed to live an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle. In addition to alcohol-related offenses, the program now includes the other drugs of marijuana and cocaine.

The program is currently free to participants but a fee-based structure is being developed through Methodist Hospital's Employee Assistance Program. Corporate sponsorship is being sought for materials. Methodist Hospital's contribution includes personnel time and educational and promotional materials.

FACT is being disseminated to other communities in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. In December 1995, Methodist Hospital received the Indiana Governor's Exemplary Projects Award in Criminal and Juvenile Justice for the FACT Program.