Coping and Support Training (CAST)

Increased School Performance | Decreased Drug Involvement | Decreased Emotional Distress

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What is CAST?

Coping and Support Training (CAST) is a proven prevention program for youth at risk. It is a 12-lesson skills training program used by schools, community centers and other youth-oriented agencies. CAST is appropriate for middle or high school-aged youth.

What are the goals?

The goals of the CAST program are to build coping skills, increase time spent in healthy activities, and enhance social support resources. The intended outcomes are decreased suicide risk behaviors (i.e., decreased depression, anger/aggression, increased school achievement (i.e., grades, credits earned, attendance, school bonding), and increased drug use control (i.e., decreased drug use, drug use control problems and adverse consequences).

How does it work?

This program combines skills training and small group work (6-7 students per class). Students meet twice per week for six weeks—the schedule is rotated throughout the school day. Students work together to learn and practice skills to enhance self-esteem, decision making, anger management, reinforcement of coping and help-seeking behaviors, and increased access to social support.

Who can Participate?

CAST is designed to serve middle & high school students who:

• Are having a poor school experience,
• Are behind in credits, have slipping grades,
• Are skipping school or at risk of dropping out, and
• Report depressed mood and/or have had thoughts about suicide

CAST also incorporates several social support mechanisms for participating youth:

• Bonding activities to improve teens’ relationships and improve their repertoire of safe, healthy activities
• Development of a crisis response plan that details the school’s suicide prevention approaches
• Active parental consent for their teen’s participation and ongoing support of their teen’s CAST goals

Pay-Offs...

CAST works to reduce suicide-risk behaviors, depression, hopelessness, anxiety and anger, reduce drug involvement, and increase school bonding and social resources (family support).

• Increase Mood Management – depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and anger.
• Decrease Drug Involvement – alcohol, marijuana, and hard drug use, drug use control problems and adverse drug use consequences.
• Decrease Suicide Risk Factors – global suicide risk behaviors, ideation, threats, attempts and positive attitudes toward suicide.
• Increase Protective Factors – personal control, problem-solving and coping, family support, and decreases in school problems (dropouts, absenteeism, and dissatisfaction with school).

Rollover Images for Our Statistics

Read more about the most significant Findings from the CAST Studies!

Recommended NEW Partner Program: Family Engagement! For caregivers of RY & CAST Program youth.

Interested in Learning More? Explore the CAST Program in this micro-course!