School-based preventive interventions for at-risk populations

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 particularly salient when prevention efforts are directed at high-risk children, a population that poses unique concerns for researchers. These concerns are addressed within the context of the experiences of the researchers' implementation and empirical evaluation of a school-based prevention program for elementary-aged children of alcoholics who self-selected into the intervention. Practical issues of gaining entry into the school system and acceptance and cooperation from school personnel are presented. Ethical issues of parental consent, voluntary nature of participation, and confidentiality are discussed within the context of at-risk children. Suggestions are offered for preventionists seeking to work in schools, and issues warranting further consideration among experts in the field are discussed.