The Fast Track Project: Effects on Violence and Aggression and Related Outcomes

Abstract

Children who engage in early onset conduct‐problem behaviors are at significant risk for multiple negative outcomes (e.g., violence, aggression) in adolescence and adulthood. Fast Track is a comprehensive, multisite intervention trial that was designed to prevent serious and chronic conduct problems in youth identified as high risk in kindergarten. The high‐risk sample comprised approximately equal numbers of African American and White children, 69% of whom are boys. The families were from urban, semiurban, and rural areas. Children were randomly assigned to receive the Fast Track intervention ( n = 445) or services as usual in the schools ( n = 446). This multicomponent intervention was implemented in Grades 1–10 and included both universal and targeted interventions. The sample was followed annually from kindergarten through 2 years following high school (approximately age 20) and again at age 25. This chapter describes the experimental design, the intervention model, and outcomes through the school years and into young adulthood (age 25). Findings support the conclusion that a comprehensive, multicomponent, developmental‐science‐based intervention targeted toward children with early onset conduct problems can significantly reduce adult psychopathology and violent crime.