In 1992, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) created the program model for CASASTART^sm and set this bold new program into motion. Our vision —then and now—is to target children who are at high risk for substance abuse, delinquency and academic failure. We harness the collective power, resources and expertise of a variety of partners: schools, law enforcement, social service and healthcare agencies, funding institutions, community residents and the families of the children at risk.

The Urban Institute conducted a rigorous evaluation of the model from 1992 to 1996. The findings demonstrate that CASASTART^sm works. Compared to the randomly assigned control group, youth in the program were:

• Significantly less likely to use gateway and stronger drugs;
• Significantly less likely to report involvement in drug selling;
• Significantly more likely to be promoted to the next grade.

Youth also reported:

• Lower levels of violent offenses;
• Higher levels of positive peer influence;
• Lower levels of association with delinquent peers;
• Less susceptibility to negative peer pressure.

These results have led to designation of CASASTART^sm as exemplary by the U.S. Department of Education’s Expert Panel on Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools (2001). It has also been named a Model Program by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (2002) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2003). CASASTART^sm has also been named a Promising Violence Prevention Program by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado (2000) and by the U.S. Surgeon General (2001).

CASA is pleased to offer the CASASTART^sm Field Guide, a practical how-to manual on implementing CASASTART^sm in your community. In this guide, you will find clear and concise instructions on how to:

• Build a successful collaboration;
• Develop trusting relationships with youth and their families;
• Deliver the eight service components of CASASTART^sm to every participant;
• Obtain funding and recognition to sustain your program.

CASA is proud to report on the success of CASASTART^sm, which, as of February 2001, operates in 17 sites nationwide in urban and rural areas. As you read and work with the material to follow, we are certain you will recognize the value of CASA’s common sense approach to substance abuse prevention and youth development. CASASTART^sm is an ambitious program that belongs in the hands of caring, dynamic individuals who will use it to transform the way they do business. As the program grows, CASASTART^sm will continue to prove itself as an essential part of the solution all communities, schools, families and our nation’s government are looking for as they strive to keep kids and communities safe and drug-free.

Thank you for your interest in CASASTART^sm and for being part of the solution.