At-risk Intervention and Mentoring Evaluation

Program Evaluation of a Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program (At-risk Intervention and Mentoring)

The purpose of this study is to determine if a hospital-based violence intervention programs can make sustainable behavior changes in at-risk youth using two key components, brief intervention at the hospital bedside and case management.

This study will be a randomized controlled trial. Youth presenting to the emergency department with an intentional injury (gunshot wound, stab wound, or assault) will be given a behavioral assessment. Participants will be categorized according to risk (low, moderate, high). Only moderate or high youth will continue in the study and be randomized. Low risk youths will receive the medical standard of care and be re-assessed at 18 months.

Randomization will place participants in one of two arms. Arm 1 will receive the standard of care PLUS a brief intervention with AIM outreach workers. Arm 2 will receive standard medical care PLUS a brief intervention PLUS case management.

Every randomized youth will be assessed for risk and protective factors and have have data collected at 6-month intervals (0, 6, 12, 18 months).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 14-24 years of age , Intentional Injury (Gunshot Wound, Stab Wound, Assault)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Younger than 14, 25 or older, non-English speaking, unable to give informed consent/assent, sexual assaults, domestic violence, child neglect/abuse.