What is the first step of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)?

The first step of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is assessment. This step is crucial as it establishes a baseline understanding of the community’s needs, resources, and existing conditions related to substance use and associated problems. During the assessment phase, data is collected and analyzed to identify the specific issues that require intervention and to evaluate the context in which these issues occur.

By assessing the community’s characteristics and the factors contributing to substance abuse, prevention specialists can make informed decisions about tailoring interventions effectively. This foundational step ensures that subsequent strategies, plans, and implementations are grounded in a solid understanding of the local environment and its unique challenges. Without this comprehensive assessment, the risk of misidentifying priorities or implementing ineffective strategies increases significantly, underscoring the importance of this initial step in the SPF process.