Drug-free Schools
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
We are currently meeting virtually the third Wednesday of the month 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Interested in Learning More? Contact: Ehollis@wctcoalition.org
Recordings
Youth Cannabis Prevention: Alternatives to Suspension and Restorative Practices
with speakers F.J. Perfas and Dan Fitzgerald of New England PTTC
LGBTQ+ Awareness and Sensitivity
09/21/22 with speakers
Vernon House, NYPD and River Ramos, Apex Community Care
Keeping Youth Safe: Recognizing Substance Use
10/19/22 with speaker David Petersen, Drug Recognition Expert, New Milford PD
Resources:
Internet Safety at Home- from Netsmartz (in English and Spanish)
Parent's Guide to Smartphone Safety (In Spanish)
More Tip Sheets from Netsmartz (available in English and Spanish)
Articles From Newport Academy: Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
What are the Positives of Social Media for Teens?
Cyberbullying: The Mental Health Impact and How to Talk to Your Teen
LBGTQ+ Resource Links:
LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools- A Self-Assessment tool from the CDC
LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health from Mental Health America
The Genderbread Person- A teaching tool for breaking the big concept of gender down into bite-sized, digestible pieces.
School Climate for LGBTQ Students in CT- 2019 State snapshot.
The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary youth.
Behavioral Health Resources for Schools
Mental Health America 2022 Back to School Toolkit- available in English and Spanish
Issue Brief from Child Health ad Development Institute:
Brief Interventions Can Improve Children's Behavioral Health Services
See our Prevention Comittee Page for resources on substance use including vaping, cannabis, and alcohol
The Educator
published and distributed by the Drug Free Schools Committee
