Drug-free Schools Committee
We are currently meeting virtually the third Wednesday of the month 8:00-9:15 a.m.
The Drug Free Schools Committee is open to public, private and parochial school staff in the 43 towns of western CT
The Drug Free Schools (DFS) Committee assists Western CT Coalition in assessing school-based needs such as:
• Mental health promotion
• Substance misuse prevention
• Early intervention
• Treatment and aftercare services
They promote collaboration among school-based initiatives and services throughout Region 5.
During the school year, the DFS Committee provides behavioral health education and awareness with publications and programs for students, families, and for school staff.
Membership Includes:
Counselors, Social Workers, School-Based Health Centers, Behavioral Health Staff, Student Services Staff
Behavioral Health Resources for Schools
Mental Health America 2022 Back to School Toolkit- available in English and Spanish
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Issue Brief from Child Health ad Development Institute:
Brief Interventions Can Improve Children's Behavioral Health Services
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The State Education Resource Center (SERC) has created a new centralized School-Based Center for Prevention, Education and Advocacy, developed for grades K-12 funded by the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
The Center is designed as a single centralized source for educators, students, families, organizations, and communities to find the most current information and services related to substance use prevention in our youth. Here you will find support and programs, practices, and interventions to mitigate the impact of substance use.
Recordings
​Youth Cannabis Prevention: Alternatives to Suspension and Restorative Practices
with speakers F.J. Perfas and Dan Fitzgerald of New England PTTC
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LGBTQ+ Awareness and Sensitivity
with speakers Vernon House, NYPD and River Ramos, Apex Community Care
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Keeping Youth Safe: Recognizing Substance Use
with speaker David Petersen, Drug Recognition Expert, New Milford PD
The Educator
Published and distributed by the Drug Free Schools Committee
Previous editions:
Fall 2023 Eating Disorders English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
Winter 2023 Edibles and High Potency THC English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese
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Resources:
Internet Safety at Home- from Netsmartz (in English and Spanish)
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Parent's Guide to Smartphone Safety (In Spanish)
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Tip Sheets from Netsmartz (available in English and Spanish)
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Articles From Newport Academy: Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
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What are the Positives of Social Media for Teens?
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Cyberbullying: The Mental Health Impact and How to Talk to Your Teen
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LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools- A Self-Assessment tool from the CDC
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LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health
The Genderbread Person- A teaching tool for breaking the big concept of gender down into bite-sized, digestible pieces.
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School Climate for LGBTQ Students in CT- 2019 State snapshot.
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The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary youth.