Guide to Effective Programs
for Children and Youth

ADOLESCENT TRANSITIONS PROGRAM (ATP)

OVERVIEW

The Adolescent Transitions Program (ATP) is designed to improve parental management skills and develop adolescents' goal- and limit-setting skills, peer supports, and problem-solving abilities. Three different variations of the program (teen focus, parent focus, and teen and parent focus) have been credited with improving youth engagement in family problem-solving sessions.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

Target population: Adolescents

The goal of the parent focus group was to improve parent management skills. Parents were encouraged to foster their adolescent's prosocial behaviors, set appropriate limits, and engage in problem-solving/conflict resolution with the teen. The goals of the teen group focused on developing the adolescent's ability to set goals, develop peer supports, set personal limits, and engage in problem-solving/conflict resolution. The combined group used consultants to help the parents and adolescents engage in discussions.

EVALUATION(S) OF PROGRAM

Evaluated population: 143 adolescents, ages 10 - 14

One hundred forty-three adolescents between the ages of 10 and 14 were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in the Adolescent Transitions Program: 1) parent focus, 2) teen focus, 3) parent and teen focus, and 4) self-directed materials only (Andrews, Soberman, & Dishion, 1995; Dishion & Andrews, 1995). Adolescents in the parent focus group, the teen focus group, and the parent and teen focus group exhibited less negative engagement during the family conflict/problem-solving sessions than the control group.

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Link to program curriculum: http://www.guilford.com/cgi-bin/cartscript.cgi?page=cpap/dishion.htm&cart_id 

References:

Andrews, D. W., Soberman, L. H., & Dishion, T. J. (1995). The Adolescent Transitions Program for high-risk teens and their parents: Toward a school-based intervention. Education & Treatment of Children, 18(4), 478-498.

Dishion, T. J., & Andrews, D. W. (1995). Preventing escalation in problem behaviors with high-risk young adolescents: Immediate and 1-year outcomes. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 63(4), 538-548.

Program also discussed in the following Child Trends publication(s):

Hair, E. C., Jager, J., & Garrett, S. B. (2002). Helping teens develop healthy social skills and relationships: What the research shows about navigating adolescence (Research brief). Washington, DC: Child Trends.

Hair, E. C., Jager, J., & Garrett, S. B. (2001). Background for community-level work on social competency in adolescence: Reviewing the literature on contributing factors. Washington, DC: Child Trends.

SUMMARY & CATEGORIZATION

Program categorized in this guide according to the following:

Evaluated participant ages: 10-14 / Program age ranges in the Guide: 6-11, 12-14

Program components: Clinic/provider-based, Parent/family

Measured outcomes: Social/emotional

 

Program information last updated 3/15/07

  

© Child Trends 2003