Foundations of Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum: Providing Technical Assistance through Training

After developing the Universal Prevention Curriculum Series (UPC - 2013-2016) with the financial contribution of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau of the U.S. State Department and training hundreds of prevention professionals globally, in 2018, Applied Prevention Science International (APSI) developed the Foundations of Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum. The Foundations Curriculum builds on  UPC by selecting its best elements and producing a thorough combination of prevention research and practice while constantly updating it with the most recent epidemiologic data and prevention research findings. Furthermore, the Foundations of Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum has been endorsed by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, IC&RC. 

As described, APSI revised the Foundations series training methodology to reflect the current training needs of prevention professionals who lead and support prevention in the community. This focus is reflected in extensive work with case studies, program planning and interactive collaboration. In addition, the challenge of conducting trainings during COVID has enhanced APSI’s training methodology into a hybrid model. Through this new model, prevention professionals acquire the prevention science knowledge and its application to practice through a synchronic on-line component; and then they attend the in-person component where they work with other participants to apply their local experience and knowledge to real-world applications. Both components are delivered by prevention experts and trainers who are able to provide technical assistance in assisting the training participants to develop action plans to improve evidence-based practice in their communities.  This presentation will discuss the components of the hybrid model and a summary of the participants’ evaluation of the approach