Identifying strategies and tactics for reducing risks

What is risk reduction Finding out what to the problem you're trying to prevent, then Working to cut down on those factors

What are protective factors? Things that keep whatever it is you're trying to prevent from occurring. Protective factors generally help cut down on risks or counteract risks.

Strategies and tactics A strategy is a broad step in a plan to accomplish a specific goal. A tactic is a specific step you take to complete a strategy.

Involving the community in selecting stages Can change community norms Creates a base of support for changing behavior Can give a sense of what resources are available Is more likely to lead to long-term changes

Groups to include Law enforcement Religious leaders Local government officials School administrators, teachers, PTA, school board Service agencies Local media Youth & parents Local businesspeople Members of the target population

Selecting strategies Take advantage of existing information! Find out what similar groups have done. Network, network, network! See what original strategies you can come up with.

Characteristics of effective strategies Increase protective factors. Clearly defined. Appropriate to target population. Employ early intervention. Make best use of resources. For multiple risk factors, use multiple strategies.

Questions to ask when evaluating strategies Does it address known risk factors? How will it work? Is it likely to reach your target population? Can it be evaluated?

Types of risk reduction strategies Risk reduction strategies are usually split into two types: 1) those meant to change individual behavior 2) those related to organizational and community development

Common tactics in risk reduction Information campaigns Street outreach Community outreach Peer education Risk reduction counseling Direct action