C.A.S.T. is a small group approach to decreasing suicidal behaviors, depression, and drug involvement among teens. The program is facilitated by Youth First Social Workers trained in trauma-informed care during the (middle or high) school day.
C.A.S.T. (short for Coping And Support Training) is provided by Youth First Social Workers in schools over a period of weeks. C.A.S.T. includes 12 sessions that are delivered in small groups of 6–8 youth, ideally twice a week over a six-week period.
Program Goals
- Improved Moods
- Decreased Drug Use
- Improved School Smarts (including attendance, grades, attitude, and school connectedness)
65%
reduction in suicide risk behaviors
34%
reduction in anxiety for girls
27%
reduction in anxiety for boys
44%
reduction in depression
62%
reduction in hard drug use
16%
reduction in alcohol use
24%
increase in problem-solving coping
24%
increase in personal control
27%
increase in family support
