Reconnecting Youth

A peer group approach to building life skills.

Reconnecting Youth is designed to reengage students into their school environment by increasing school performance, introducing drug use prevention practices, and improving mood management. Co-facilitated by Youth First Mental Health Professionals and trained teachers, this program is offered during the school day and guides 9th–12th grade students through a supportive process that leads to positive changes.

Sign Up & Learn More

Get in touch with Youth First staff for more information about this program.

  • Kent Leslie, Director of Programs | 812-421-8336 ext 111

I am important no matter what or how I feel.

—Reconnecting Youth participant

This semester-long program is an intervention program for high school teens at risk for dropping out of school due to drug involvement, school performance, or emotional distress. Youth First Mental Health Professionals and trained school staff guide students through a curriculum with three core RY program goals:

  1. Enhancing school-smarts skills (attendance, attitudes toward school, doing homework, etc.)
  2. Enhancing mood management
  3. Enhancing drug-use prevention

Some schools provide credit for the program.

Participants sign up voluntarily at the recommendation of school counselors, principals and teachers. They are given material prior to sign-up that describes the lessons and expectations of students in the class. Parents are required to provide consent for participation. Parents are also provided with materials that correspond to the learning modules along with suggestions about how to reinforce new skills at home. Students are encouraged to participate in school functions in order to support school bonding and build skills.

79% of students

more interested in better school performance

69% of students

decreased substance use

83% of students

make better decisions

98% of students

would recommend RY to other students

79% of students

more interested in better school performance

69% of students

decreased substance use

83% of students

make better decisions

98% of students

would recommend RY to other students

Testimonials

“Reconnecting Youth was a great opportunity for me to find out who I was. I used to be on the wrong path. RY helped me understand that talking, being honest, and making school a priority will help me in the long run.”

“I learned even in the darkest time of my life, there is always someone I can talk to.”

“When I shared my biggest, deepest, darkest secret that was eating me away for years, I had full support from this group. Not only did the students in the classroom sit there and listen to me sob, but the teachers calmed me down and helped me through my crisis.

I began to fill the holes in my heart with new, positive people. My confidence grew as well as my self-worth.”

“Everyone, even the teachers, was there for me, no matter what I was going through.”

“I really liked the trust within the group and the friendships I made.”

“RY helped me see that my actions have consequences and how they affect other people.”

“Through this program, I realized it’s great to know there’s someone rooting for me and wants the best for me no matter what.”