What is the Strategic Prevention Framework?

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SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is a planning process for preventing substance use and misuse. The five steps and two guiding principles of the SPF offer prevention professionals a comprehensive process for addressing the substance misuse and related behavioral health problems facing their communities. The effectiveness of the SPF begins with a clear understanding of community needs and involves community members in all stages of the planning process.

The steps of the SPF include

• Step 1: Assess Needs: What is the problem, and how can I learn more?

• Step 2: Build Capacity: What do I have to work with?

• Step 3: Plan: What should I do and how should I do it?

• Step 4: Implement: How can I put my plan into action?

• Step 5: Evaluate: Is my plan succeeding?

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The SPF also includes two guiding principles:

• Cultural competence: The ability to interact effectively with members of diverse population

• Sustainability: The process of achieving and maintaining long-term results Source: SAMHSA