Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the first step in the Strategic Prevention Framework?

1. Implementation

2. Planning

3. Assessment

4. Evaluation

The correct answer is: Assessment

The first step in the Strategic Prevention Framework is assessment. This step is crucial as it involves gathering and analyzing data about the community, the specific problems it faces, and the resources available. By conducting a thorough assessment, practitioners can identify the needs of the population and understand the underlying causes of issues they aim to address. This foundational information helps to guide the development and implementation of effective interventions tailored to the community's unique context. In prevention work, without a solid assessment, subsequent actions such as planning, implementation, and evaluation may lack direction and may not address the true needs of the target population. Therefore, assessment sets the stage for informed decision-making and successful prevention strategies, making it a critical first step in the framework.