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Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG)

• Year-to-Date Summary Report 
• SPF-SIG Strategic Plan (Approved 10-28-10)

The Strategic Prevention Framework - State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) program is an infrastructure grant program developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). SPF SIGs provide funding to states, tribes, and territories, which to do the following:

• Prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse
• Reduce substance abuse-related problems in communities
• Build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the state and community levels

The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is built on a community-based risk and protective factors approach to prevention that includes a series of guiding principles that can be implemented at the Federal, State/Tribal, and community levels. Although SPF-SIG funds are directed through the States and federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations, SAMHSA envisions the SPF-SIGs prevention activities will be implemented through partnerships between the States/Tribes and their respective communities.

The SPF requires recipients to systematically accomplish the following steps in order to provide culturally competent and sustainable prevention programs, policies, and practices:

• Assess prevention needs based on epidemiological data [Assessment]
• Build prevention capacity [Capacity]
• Develop a Strategic Plan [Planning]
• Implement effective community prevention programs, policies, and practices [Implementation]
• Evaluate efforts and outcomes [Evaluation]

The Five Steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework

Needs Assessment, Capacity Building, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

Step 1: Needs Assessment

Assessment helps define the problem(s) or issue(s) that a project needs to address. During the needs assessment phase, it is necessary to collect data in order to understand a population's needs, review the resources that are required and available, and identify the readiness of the community to address prevention needs and service gaps.

To gather the necessary data, states will create an epidemiological workgroup. The data gathered will greatly influence the state's strategic plan and funding decisions.

The Delaware Drug and Alcohol Tracking Alliance (DDATA) is Delaware's State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW).

Step 2: Capacity Building

Capacity building involves mobilizing human, organizational, and financial resources to meet the project goals. Training and education to promote readiness are also critical aspects of building capacity.

Step 3: Planning

Planning involves the creation of a comprehensive Strategic Plan which includes distinct goals, objectives, and strategies aimed at meeting the substance abuse prevention needs of the community (as addressed by the Needs Assessment in Step 1.

During this phase, organizations select logic models and evidence-based policies and programs. They also determine costs and resources needed for effective implementation.

Step 4: Implementation

The implementation phase of the SPF process is focused on carrying out the various components of the prevention plan, as well as identifying and overcoming any potential barriers.

During program implementation, organizations detail the evidence-based policies and practices that need to be undertaken, develop specific timelines, and decide on ongoing program evaluation needs.

Step 5: Evaluation

Evaluation helps organizations recognize what they have done well and what areas need improvement. The process of evaluation involves measuring the impact of programs and practices to understand their effectiveness and any need for change.

Evaluation efforts therefore greatly influence the future planning of a program. It can also impact sustainability, because evaluation can show sponsors that resources are being used wisely.