Objective
The objective of the CARY program is to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by empowering students entrenched in the school discipline system with skills to improve behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Student Population
CARY Youth Advisors work closely with school administrations to identify students that would most greatly benefit from CARY services. The population includes students involved in the school disciplinary system for physically and verbally aggressive behaviors, as well as drug, alcohol, and gang-related incidents.
Program Operations
CARY provides an evidence-based, nationally recognized curriculum, Aggression Replacement Training (ART) through group and individual counseling. Services are voluntary and students choose to be a part of CARY, making the positive choice to better themselves and improve their behaviors. Students receive services for 2 school semesters, during which they average 15 groups and 10 individual sessions. Students are encouraged to seek out the CARY Youth Advisor, who offices full time on the school campus when they are in a heightened emotional state or at risk of making poor choices.
Parent Empowerment
CARY also incorporates a parent component in its intervention program through Parent Empowerment Groups. Parent Empowerment Groups bring families together to participate in activities that research has proven will improve family functioning and decrease student problem behaviors that impact school performance. The Parent Empowerment Group serves a dual function- intervention and prevention. Families can expect 1 1/2 hour sessions to promote family bonding, provide information and training about ART and support energizing family exchanges.
Service Learning
CARY incorporates a service-learning component in its intervention program. Service-Learning is a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful community service. Students are encouraged to focus their service projects on issues that matter to them and are integral in the planning and implementation of these projects.
Collaboration
CARY collaborates closely with school districts, community partners, and other school-based mental health providers to ensure our students are receiving the care they deserve.