Program Spotlight: Alternative to Suspension

Referrals to CYN’s Alternative to Suspension program are increasing every day as more schools in Lake County have started referring their students to the program. ATS is an early intervention program for students who have been given a suspension for substance use or anger /violence concerns. The program spans 6 sessions and upon completion the school will often reduce the student’s suspension time in half.

The first session of ATS is a comprehensive alcohol/drug use or anger management assessment to determine the extent of the problem behavior and determine if there are additional underlying concerns. The next 2 sessions focus on educating the student on how their behavior effects their lives, bodies and those people around them. These sessions also focus on teaching the student to value themselves. Session 4 is a critical component of the program and involves a family session. During this hour the therapist and family will address parent/child issues, help restore and strengthen appropriate and effective parental authority and improve the lines of communication. The remaining 2 sessions will help students learn coping skills so that they can resolve any underlying issues in a positive , appropriate manner.

Following the Alternative to Suspension program students have the option of continuing to work with their therapist in individual counseling or family counseling sessions. Some ATS students also opt to take part in CYN’s Teen Precept group which allows them to work with their peers on developing positive behaviors. The Teen Precept Group is also available for students who are not ATS involved. Examples of adolescents who benefit from this group include students who have disordered eating patterns, a history self injury or self harm, low self image or emerging self identity concerns.

Alternative to Suspension and the Teen Precept Group are available to any interested school, parent or student. CYN Offers a sliding scale and ALL Major Insurances are accepted.

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