In partnership with the Drug Policy Alliance, we have started conversations to shift the mindset about substance use by young people. Often, this behavior is criminalized by educators, but we know that criminalization is not effective. Instead, we urge school district personnel to utilize a trauma-informed approach that addresses the root causes of substance use, and to connect young people with social workers and mental health counselors. Rather than pushing young people out, we ask that educators pull young people in.
Tune in at 29:15 to view Oscar, Sasha, and Claudia discuss how schools can best navigate and address educating during COVID-19 such as using a trauma-informed approach.
https://www.facebook.com/drugpolicy/videos/3057131280974844/