Introducing a Group-Based Cannabis Prevention Program for Adolescents in Youth Residential Care in Germany (CANJuStop): Study Protocol for an Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Why It Matters

Cannabis misuse is disproportionately high among youth in residential care, yet evidence‑based prevention tools are scarce; this trial could fill a critical service gap and shape policy. Demonstrating feasibility may accelerate integration of targeted addiction prevention into child‑welfare systems.

Key Takeaways

• First evidence‑based cannabis prevention adapted for German residential youth care
• Cluster‑randomized design tests feasibility across multiple care units
• Six weekly staff‑led sessions aim to reduce use and improve coping
• Primary outcome: 30‑day abstinence or meaningful reduction measured by self‑report
• Results will guide larger RCT and policy integration in child welfare

Pulse Analysis

Adolescents in residential youth care face a confluence of risk factors—unstable homes, trauma, and limited supervision—that elevate the likelihood of cannabis experimentation and dependence. Traditional school‑based prevention programs often miss this population because they do not align with the daily routines or relational structures of residential facilities. By tailoring the proven CAN Stop curriculum to the specific context of German youth homes, the CAN Ju Stop trial addresses a glaring service void, offering a structured, staff‑delivered approach that integrates seamlessly into existing care schedules.

The trial’s cluster‑randomized design is particularly suited to the residential setting, where entire care units are randomized rather than individual youths, preserving the natural group dynamics and reducing contamination risk. Six weekly sessions focus on motivational enhancement, harm‑reduction strategies, and coping skill development, empowering staff to act as preventive agents. Primary outcomes hinge on self‑reported abstinence or meaningful reduction over the past month, while secondary metrics capture shifts in self‑efficacy and future use intentions. This methodological rigor provides early evidence on both feasibility and preliminary effectiveness, essential steps before scaling to a full‑scale randomized controlled trial.

If the pilot demonstrates that staff can reliably deliver the program and that youths show measurable reductions in cannabis use, the implications extend beyond Germany. Policymakers and child‑welfare agencies could adopt a replicable model, integrating addiction prevention into the core services of residential care. Moreover, the study may stimulate further research into adapting other evidence‑based interventions for high‑risk youth settings, ultimately contributing to a more holistic, preventive approach to adolescent substance use worldwide.