The KIKS program stresses a peer-to-peer system of communication to resist drug abuse, smoking, drinking and inappropriate sexual behavior.
By: Chris Karmiol
A drug prevention program implemented by the Melvin H. Kreps School, Kids Intervention With Kids in Schools, KIKS, has been recognized by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention as a state-of-the-art and exemplary prevention program worthy of replication, according to The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.
The CHS, which coordinates the program, noted that the program has significant impact in preventing teen smoking, drug use, binge drinking and encouraging appropriate sexual behavior.
The KIKS program, started 16 years ago, uses a peer-to-peer system in communicating its message.
"They’re at that stage in adolescence where they’ll listen to kids their own age more than adults," explained Ann Suabedissen, KIKS program administrator.
Trained peer leaders come into the classroom with KIKS instructors to engage students in activities teaching drug and alcohol prevention, conflict resolution, and team-building exercises, Ms. Suabedissen said.
Sixth-graders at the Kreps School take part in the KIKS program once a week for one class period. The program is also used at the John Witherspoon Middle School in Princeton, Robeson Elementary School in Trenton, Lawrence Middle School and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Trenton, among others.
"We talk a lot about puberty and friendship and trust, because the kids are starting to think about those things," Ms. Suabedissen said. "It’s really amazing how early kids are starting to think about those things."
The CHS completed a study in 2001 which affirmed that the KIKS program delayed or prevented smoking and binge drinking, Ms. Suabedissen said.
"I read (the study) and sent it into the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention," she said. "They have three individual evaluators look at the program. They’re very thorough, it’s a rigorous process. They look at the research, they look at the program, and they did find it worthy of replication.
"We’re obviously thrilled to death. Out of 650, only 60 programs were chosen."
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey was founded 108 years ago as an orphanage. Today, the organization is involved in adoption, foster care, child care programs, counseling and drug prevention.
"I think we all know that society is putting more and more burden on the schools, not just academically, but in social behavior," said Virginia Kearns, principal of the Kreps School. "(KIKS) has really been helpful in helping our students make decisions."
According to the CHS study, 18- to 25-year-olds who had participated in the KIKS program four to eight years earlier showed a 28 percent lower rate of use of cigarettes and marijuana, a 50 percent lower rate of other illicit drugs, and an 18 percent lower rate of binge drinking, compared with teens in New Jersey and across the nation.