For example, in one study, neglected children had a smaller corpus callosum relative to control and comparison groups.8 Compared to their non-maltreated peers, children in another study who experienced emotional neglect early in life performed significantly worse on
achievement testing during the first six years
of schooling.9 Furthermore, although both
abused and neglected children performed poorly academically, neglected children experienced greater academic deficits relative to
abused children.10 These cognitive deficiencies also appear to be long lasting.
Over the past 25 years, program developers, school districts, universities and independent research firms have conducted program evaluations which indicate that the Lions Quest program improves
achievement test scores, changes attitudes and beliefs regarding substance
abuse and violence, lowers rates
of disciplinary problems, lowers risk
of dropping out
of school and decreases use
of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.