Box Elder

This research evaluates the Returning to the Land intervention aimed at young Native American caregivers aged 14 to 19 and their children aged 1 to 5 years. The study focuses on preventing substance misuse among caregivers and improving the emotional and behavioral development of their children. It is conducted in partnership with a tribal community to address cultural factors and support family well-being. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups the intervention group, which takes part in the Returning to the Land program held in a biodiverse outdoor setting, and the control group, which attends the same program but in an indoor classroom setting. Both groups engage in behavioral activities designed to support healing and prevention of substance misuse. During the study, caregivers and their children will be assessed multiple times over a 12-month period. Researchers will measure child social-emotional functioning using tools like the Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment and the Child Behavior Checklist, as well as caregiver use of alcohol, cannabis, and non-prescribed pain medicine. These assessments occur at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months to monitor progress and effects of the intervention.