What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The Forging Hopeful Futures program aims to prevent youth violence by addressing underlying social determinants such as racial, gender, and economic injustices. The mechanisms of action for this type of treatment include education on social justice issues, empowerment through community support, and the development of coping and problem-solving skills. These mechanisms are crucial for patients experiencing physical violence as they address the root causes of violence, promote resilience, and provide tools for managing and reducing violent behaviors. By fostering a supportive environment and addressing systemic inequalities, these treatments help create safer and more equitable communities.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Youth violence prevention programs, such as Forging Hopeful Futures, which focus on racial, gender, and economic justice education and support, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, participants may experience emotional or psychological challenges, such as discomfort when discussing sensitive topics or confronting personal biases. Additionally, there may be initial resistance or stress related to behavior change and social dynamics. Overall, these programs are designed to be supportive and empowering, aiming to reduce violence and improve social outcomes.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no FDA-approved drugs specifically for the treatment of physical violence. However, treatments for conditions that may contribute to violent behavior, such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, often involve medications like stimulants, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. Programs like Forging Hopeful Futures, which focus on education and support through racial, gender, and economic justice, are more aligned with psychosocial interventions rather than pharmacological treatments. These programs aim to address the underlying social determinants of violence rather than relying on medication.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to the Forging Hopeful Futures program for youth violence prevention in 2024 include: 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs tailored for at-risk youth, which focus on changing thought patterns and behaviors associated with violence. 2) Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approaches that address the impact of trauma on behavior and provide supportive environments. 3) Community-based mentorship programs that connect youth with positive role models and provide guidance and support. 4) School-based interventions that incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) to teach conflict resolution and emotional regulation skills. 5) Multisystemic Therapy (MST), which involves intensive family- and community-based treatment to address the various factors contributing to violent behavior.

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Behavioral Intervention

Forging Hopeful Futures Program for Youth Violence (FHF Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Alison Culyba, MD PhD MPH

Research Sponsored by University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be younger than 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at baseline and three months after program conclusion

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will test a program called Forging Hopeful Futures that helps young people aged 13-19 by teaching job skills, promoting fairness between races and genders, and developing leadership abilities. The goal is to reduce violence in neighborhoods with high levels of inequality and community violence.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking youths aged 14-19 who live in, attend school in, or use facilities within certain neighborhoods. They must be able to share contact information for follow-ups. It's not open to those outside this age range, non-English speakers, or individuals without ties to the participating areas.

What is being tested?

The study tests 'Forging Hopeful Futures', a program aimed at preventing youth violence through racial, gender, and economic justice education. It also includes wellness check-ins as part of the intervention being studied.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves educational and support interventions rather than medical treatments, traditional physical side effects are not applicable. However, discussing sensitive topics like violence may cause emotional discomfort.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at baseline and three months after program conclusion

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at baseline and three months after program conclusion

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at baseline and three months after program conclusion for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in recent violence perpetration at 3 months

Secondary study objectives

Change in bullying perpetration

Change in cyber dating abuse and peer abuse

Change in cyberbullying perpetration

+6 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Forging Hopeful FuturesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Forging Hopeful Futures uses a group discussion format with activities that explore race, gender, class, identity, relationships, and multiple forms of violence. Forging Hopeful Futures is a 12 session curriculum for youth ages 13-19 that uses strengths-based and healing-centered approaches to critically examine structural forces that perpetuate racial and gender injustice, develop leadership skills in promoting gender equitable relationship norms, non-violent practices, and upstander skills, and enhance economic justice through job skills and employment opportunities. Through 12 sessions (3 hours/session) over a 6 to 12 week period, Forging Hopeful Futures combines racial, gender, and economic justice content with leadership development and workforce development opportunities.

Group II: Wellness Check-insActive Control1 Intervention

Youth in neighborhoods randomized to the control group will receive individual wellness checks. This will occur through a strengths-based telephone conversation focused on wellness resources. Youth will be provided with tailored resources based on needs identified during the call. Youth will be offered the option for additional phone check-ins to coordinate access to community resources and connection to individualized behavioral health supports if desired.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The Forging Hopeful Futures program aims to prevent youth violence by addressing underlying social determinants such as racial, gender, and economic injustices. The mechanisms of action for this type of treatment include education on social justice issues, empowerment through community support, and the development of coping and problem-solving skills. These mechanisms are crucial for patients experiencing physical violence as they address the root causes of violence, promote resilience, and provide tools for managing and reducing violent behaviors. By fostering a supportive environment and addressing systemic inequalities, these treatments help create safer and more equitable communities.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing HOPE Treatment and Present-Centered Therapy in Women Residing in Shelter with PTSD from Intimate Partner Violence.Future Directions for the Examination of Mediators of Treatment Outcomes in Youth.Practitioner Review: Therapeutics of unipolar major depressions in adolescents.