Welcome to SDRG
SDRG is a recognized leader in the field of prevention research. Our work is guided by the belief that many common behavior, health, and social problems can be prevented. For the past four decades, SDRG has studied the causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on what we have learned, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavior, health, and social problems. SDRG’s research has enriched lives, influenced policy, and strengthened communities across the United States and around the world.
Research
For the past four decades, SDRG has conducted studies that have helped researchers to better understand the causes of behavior, health, and social problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on this understanding, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavioral health problems.
Programs & Tools
For more than 40 years, SDRG has been working with communities, schools, and families to understand and improve the lives of young people. Below you'll find SDRG interventions that have demonstrated that a social development approach to prevention can reduce risk and enhance protection in the family, school, and community. The intervention materials are available to the public.
Data Collection Services
The Survey Research Division (SRD) provides high-quality survey research services, including survey design, a variety of data collection modes, and data processing.
The Center for Communities That CareThe Center for CTC promotes healthy youth development through high-quality implementation of effective interventions developed through SDRG’s research. Our team of prevention specialists provides high-quality training and technical assistance in support of our proven programs.
News & Updates
April 15, 2024
A team of researchers and practitioners from the University of Washington and Washington State University, led by SDRG’s Jim Leighty, recently published an op-ed in Health Affairs Forefront in support of efforts to increase access to evidence-based interventions for families affected by opioid use disorder (OUD). An estimated 6.7 to 7.6 million U.S. adults meet...
February 15, 2024
In a blog post dated February 1, 2024, NIDA Director Nora Volkow, MD, celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of NIDA’s founding by urging the research community to continue to shift the mindset of medicine and the public towards viewing addiction as a health condition that is preventable, treatable, and deserving of compassion and support. The...
January 18, 2024
Researchers at SDRG and the Department of Human Development at Washington State University created a handbook to help parents advise their young adult children leaving for their first year of college. The goal of the handbook was to increase family connections and reduce risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use. Research findings about the handbook’s...
January 8, 2024
If your new year’s resolutions include taking care of yourself emotionally, feel free to join Self-care Through Cultivating Emotional Wellness on January 18, 2024. This session is part of the CTC Monthly Learning Series sponsored by the Center for CTC and facilitated by Community Prevention Strategist Jen Hogge, LMFT. You’ll come away with at least...
December 11, 2023
Since 2009, SDRG has been working with the Annie E. Casey Foundation on model development, manualization, and coaching for the Evidence2Success project. The current team at SDRG includes Capetra Parker and Britton Steel. Our evaluation partner, Penn State, recently reported on Evidence2Success communities’ experience, based on local risk and protection data, in making effective decisions...