Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP) Program

Initiative Description: Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP)-a 6th-grade universal violence prevention program. RIPP uses a prevention specialist to implement a curriculum that teaches knowledge, attitudes, and skills that promote nonviolence, positive communication, and achievement. Students are instructed in the use of a social-cognitive problem-solving model and specific skills for preventing violence (e.g., avoiding potentially violent situations, talking things through). The curriculum was implemented in twenty-five 50-min sessions that generally were taught during social studies or health education. Sessions were conducted weekly. Three trained prevention specialists implemented the sixth-grade RIPP curriculum during the 1995–1996 school year. All participants were African American men.

Study Results: Reduced the number of violent disciplinary referrals at school. The reduction in suspensions was maintained at 12-month follow-up for boys but not for girls. RIPP participants also reported more frequent use of a peer mediation program and reductions in fight-related injuries.

Reference: Farrell, A. D., Meyer, A. L., & White, K. S. (2001). Evaluation of Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP): A school-based prevention program for reducing violence among urban adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 30(4), 451–463. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15374424JCCP3004_02

Level of Evidence: Very Good