Increased School Performance | Decreased Drug Involvement | Decreased Emotional Distress
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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:
CAST also incorporates several social support mechanisms for participating youth:
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).
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