Collaborative Efforts to Reduce Student Substance Use
Throughout the 2009-2010 school year, the Student Assistance Team (SAT) at Black River organized collaborative conferences to discuss student and community substance use and to develop action plans to make the Black River community safer and drug-free. Growing sentiments, coupled with concerning data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and other measures prompted the SAT to try a new strategy around reducing student drug/alcohol use. This forum encouraged open dialogue around challenges, and allowed for the development of goals for reducing the incidence and risk of student and community drug and alcohol use. Focus was on education/treatment, prevention, and enforcement. The format facilitated communication and collaboration among all of the organizations and individuals represented, it identified gaps in programming and supports, and facilitated better working relationships. This on-going process is both data-driven and open to new ideas and creative solutions.
The first conference occurred in November of 2009 and the most recent conference was on May 13th. The SAT first invited key stakeholders because of a growing concern about student safety and substance use, and in an effort to expand the network of student supports at Black River High/Middle School. Black River Area Community Coalition was instrumental in supporting the school’s goals around developing action plans in areas including prevention, treatment, education, and enforcement. Participants in the conference included the Principal, School Counselor, School-Based Clinician, School-Community Liaison, Elementary School reps, School Board Members, Town Manager, Local Police, State Police, Liquor Commissioner, VT Drug Task Force, District Attorney, State Government Reps, Select Board, Local Business Reps, Recreational Directors, BRACC, Diversion Board, Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Town Constables, Ludlow PD, Black River High School students, Parents, School Nurse, Reps from Department of Health, Superintendent, Technical Center, Student Support Specialist, Student Assistance Professional…. And more.
Action plans that came out of these conferences included the development of a committee to review extracurricular policies, improved communication among school personnel, police, and diversion, monthly family programming which includes education and fun, internet safety training for students and parents, a proposal to develop a social hosting ordinance, a community read about substance abuse, Act 51 training for teachers, media literacy training for students, and much more.
One highlight for high school students is alcohol safety training. Consultant Colin Andrzejczyk is facilitating substance education groups for all students grades 10-12 at Black River High School during the month of May. Colin currently works for Mountainview Counseling, is the SAP at Randolph High School, and is a substance abuse counselor at Vermont Technical Center. He has experience working at residential settings and was highly recommended by Valley Court Diversion. The Black River Student Assistance Team and representatives at the forum and BRACC are bringing Colin to Black River as a prevention measure for students prior to prom and graduation. Students will receive one afternoon session primarily around Alcohol Safety.
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