ABSTRACT
The Buddy System is a community-based program for youth using indigenous nonprofessionals as change agents. In this program operated by the Family Court, adult residents in two Model Cities communities served as "buddies" of youth referred for behavior and academic problems. These buddies met regularly with youngsters in their natural environment and attempted to guide and influence them to engage in socially appropriate behavior. The successful application of a model of community intervention with youth in which nontraditional community workers functioned as change agents has been demonstrated by Tharp and Wetzel. The primary aim of the Buddy System was to change behavior, with priority given to increasing school attendance. A second major objective of the project was to demonstrate the use of nonprofessional residents as effective change agents. During the first year of operation, evaluation of the project included investigating the efficacy of various treatment techniques employed in the program.
