DBHR contracts with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer the Washington State Prevention/Early Intervention Program. The program places intervention specialists in local schools to serve those students at risk of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as those students who have initiated substance use. Students who are chemically dependent are referred to community-based treatment centers.
Local programs: Program funds are distributed to the nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) that serve the state. Funding amounts are based on two criteria: (a) Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) guidelines from Washington’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), and (b) a formula that accounts for both student enrollment and estimated need for services in each region.
Activities and services provided: Universal prevention activities typically target classrooms or the entire school. Examples include supervising peer leadership clubs; providing information to students, staff, and families; and coordinating with community coalitions.Direct intervention services involve identifying students who are:
at risk of initiating substance use or antisocial behavior; coping with the substance use of significant others;
using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs; or developing a dependence on alcohol or other drugs.
An array of counseling, peer support groups, social skills training, and individual and family interventions are employed to address the needs of each student. When the severity of use requires services that cannot be provided in the school setting, students are referred to community based services such as substance abuse treatment.
For more information see the OSPI Student Assistance Program Manual, or contact Julia.Havens@dshs.wa.gov.