Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG) - Youth Connection

The Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG) - Youth Connection Program is a support group intervention designed to increase resiliency and reduce risk factors among youth ages 10-17 who are identified as being at elevated risk for early substance use and future delinquency and violence (e.g., they are living in adverse family situations, displaying observable gaps in coping and social skills, or displaying early indicators of antisocial attitudes and behaviors).

Based on cognitive-behavioral and competence-enhancement models of prevention, the CBSG - Youth Connection Program teaches essential life skills and offers emotional support to help youth cope with difficult family situations, resist peer pressure, set and achieve goals, refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and reduce antisocial attitudes and rebellious behavior. Delivered in 10-12 weekly, 1-hour support group sessions, the curriculum addresses topics such as self-concept, anger and other feelings, dreams and goal setting, healthy choices, friends, peer pressure, life challenges, family chemical dependency, and making a public commitment to staying drug free and true to life goals. Lesson content and objectives are essentially the same for all participants but are tailored for age and developmental status.