Welcome to SDRG
SDRG is a recognized leader in the field of prevention research. Our work is guided by the belief that many common behavior, health, and social problems can be prevented. For the past four decades, SDRG has studied the causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on what we have learned, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavior, health, and social problems. SDRG’s research has enriched lives, influenced policy, and strengthened communities across the United States and around the world.
Research
For the past four decades, SDRG has conducted studies that have helped researchers to better understand the causes of behavior, health, and social problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Building on this understanding, we have developed and tested intervention programs and tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote wellbeing and reduce behavioral health problems.
Programs & Tools
For more than 40 years, SDRG has been working with communities, schools, and families to understand and improve the lives of young people. Below you'll find SDRG interventions that have demonstrated that a social development approach to prevention can reduce risk and enhance protection in the family, school, and community. The intervention materials are available to the public.
Data Collection Services
The Survey Research Division (SRD) provides high-quality survey research services, including survey design, a variety of data collection modes, and data processing.
The Center for Communities That CareThe Center for CTC promotes healthy youth development through high-quality implementation of effective interventions developed through SDRG’s research. Our team of prevention specialists provides high-quality training and technical assistance in support of our proven programs.
News & Updates
September 23, 2026
Congratulations to lead author Jess Heerde, Jen Bailey, and coauthors of “School Suspension as a Predictor of Young Adult Homelessness: The International Youth Development Study,” published in the Journal of Prevention. This paper has been awarded the Best Article of the Year Award by the European Society for Prevention Research (EUSPR). Jen and co-author John...
July 31, 2026
The Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) is a nonprofit organization established by the Washington State Legislature in 2005 to advise state policymakers on public policy issues involving science and technology. WSAS members are nationally recognized for their “outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement and willingness to assist the Academy in providing the best...
May 14, 2026
A number of SDRG members will be presenting at this year’s annual meeting of the Society for Prevention Research this month. Please see our list of presentations for more information.
May 11, 2026
A new research brief highlights important findings from the Seattle Social Development Project, showing that the universal childhood preventive intervention Raising Healthy Children has long-term effects in reducing suicide and related mental health problems in adulthood. The brief also highlights how SDRG continues to advance suicide prevention research through the SHIELD project, which brings together data from...
January 20, 2026
Congratulations to former SDRG director Kevin Haggerty and colleague J. Mark Eddy on the publication of this book. Eddy, J. M., & Haggerty, K. P. (Eds.). (2026). Handbook of professional youth mentoring: Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/9783032055798 This book examines professional youth mentoring, which is marked by enduring relationships throughout childhood and adolescence between youth and their adult...