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School-Based Programs Available From New Connections
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention
New Connections has provided school-based "primary prevention," mental health and substance abuse counseling services for over 14 years. In a wide variety of settings, including comprehensive middle and high schools, continuation high schools and community day schools, New Connections' counselors aim to educate high-risk youth and those working with youth to intervene in the destructive cycle of addiction and related behaviors.
New Connections' prevention services for Middle and High School settings are based upon the Project SUCCESS model. Project SUCCESS is a research-based program that builds on the findings of other successful prevention programs by using interventions that are proven effective in reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Project SUCCESS counselors use a wide range of intervention strategies, including:
- Information dissemination
- Normative and prevention education
- Problem identification and referral
- Community-based process and environmental approaches
In addition, prevention specialists help build resiliency and social competency skills, such as:
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Stress and anger management
- Problem-solving
- Resisting peer pressure
New Connections counselors work with adolescents in small groups, facilitate large group prevention/education discussions, train and consult with educators regarding AOD prevention issues, coordinate the substance abuse services and policies of the school, and refer and follow-up with students and families needing substance abuse treatment and/or mental health services in the community.
Substance Abuse Intervention and Counseling
The counselors and prevention specialists, in coordination with school staff, provide assessment and screening for level of substance abuse, provide crisis counseling and intervention counseling, and refer addicted or abusing youth to our treatment services when needed. They also provide psycho-educational groups for youth on current critical issues for each school community, such as anger management, conflict resolution, stress management, and coping with stressed, at-risk or alcoholic home environments.
For More Information:
For more information about school-based alcohol and other drug (AOD) counseling services, please call the Director of School Counseling at 925.363.5000, ext. 139. For information about school-based prevention services and other New Connections programs, please call Jeri Stegman, Associate Director of Programs and Services at 925.363.5000, ext. 126.
New Connections is an innovative and award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in community behavioral health care, serving Contra Costa County since 1972.
Among other honors, New Connections has been recognized as one of the top 20 programs in the United States by the Association of State Alcohol & Drug Abuse Directors. For more information about services offered by New Connections, please call Jeri Stegman, Associate Director of Programs & Services at 925.363.5000, ext. 126.
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