Upon reviewing results of their Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a core management team in a California neighborhood was concerned; the data indicated high incidents of binge drinking among freshmen and sophomores at their high school. Although the school had a tough discipline policy on this issue and introduced a number of universal substance abuse prevention programs in the past, this did not decrease the percentage of students suspended for alcohol-related incidences according to YRBS survey data.
Abuse treatment experts from the community mental health agency suggested these students may have long-term alcohol abuse issues and require treatment, and they worked with the school on alternatives to suspensions. The school needed systemic change and resource integration from the school, community mental health center, and law enforcement/juvenile justice partners.
Students, along with their parents, who were suspended or had law enforcement contact due to alcohol use were referred to the community mental health agency for a substance abuse assessment and treatment plan. By integrating these services, students were provided needed treatment in lieu of suspensions.