Many clients leave counseling prematurely (i.e., without their counselors' agreement

The Think First program was implemented in five NSW correctional centres between 2003 and 2007. This study is a longitudinal evaluation of Think First using the pre- and post-test scores of four questionnaire measures (the Social Problem Solving Inventory – Revised; Barratt Impulsivity Scale, version 11; Locus of Control Behaviour; and the Crime PICS, version II), in a sample of 135 male participants. Significant change in a pro-social direction was found on the Locus of Control Behaviour, all of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and Crime PICS II subscales and two of the Social Problem Solving Inventory – Revised subscales. Completion of Think First improved impulsivity levels, criminal thinking styles and some aspects of social problem solving ability. There appeared to be particularly positive effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Locus of Control scores post-program.

Background: American Indian children and adolescents are at risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and smoking, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To address these health issues, we developed, implemented, and evaluated a culturally appropriate cardiovascular disease curriculum called 'In Our Voice' for American Indian students in grades 7 through 12. The curriculum consisted of 16 modules lasting 50 minutes each, and it was implemented as a pilot test at five sites in two western states. Results: We faced many challenges to success, including competing demands for instructional time and classrooms, which prevented two schools from completing the curriculum. Two notable findings emerged: students preferred a multicultural focus over a culturally tailored focus, and they desired more interactive educational materials. Conclusion: Recommendations for successfully implementing an innovative curriculum include ensuring the ongoing presence of researchers at school sites, funding an internal curriculum champion at every site, and maintaining student advisory boards to communicate student feedback to researchers.