WHAT:
Two one-on-one sessions between adult facilitator and youth (plus optional session for parent/guardian)
WHEN:
Flexible Scheduling T, W, TH
HOW LONG:
Two 1-hour sessions, scheduled 2 weeks apart
WHERE:
- EUREKA: Boys & Girls Club Teen Court Office, 939 Harris Street, Eureka
- FORTUNA: Fortuna Teen Court Office inside the Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Rd, Fortuna
- VIRTUALLY
WHO:
Teens between the age of 13-18 and interested parent/guardians
HOW MUCH:
FREE!
ABOUT YOUth CHOOSE
YOUth Choose: Brief Intervention of Substance Using Adolescents is an evidence-based psycho-educational tool for early-stage mild or moderate users. It is conducted as a confidential, one-on-one two-part series, with an optional additional session for interested parent/guardians.
In these interactive one-on-one confidential sessions we focus on raising awareness of problems and helping youth to self-identify specific changes or activities for better well-being. The youth participant leads the way in determining the positive changes they wish to make. The goal is for participants to be able to make informed decisions and to choose the best options for their health and safety.
SESSIONS COVER:
- Choices and consequences
- Gauging their readiness to change
- Identifying resources and supports
- Empowering youth to make positive changes through an action plan
WHO SHOULD ATTEND YOUth CHOOSE?
- Youth who are engaging in alcohol and/or other drug use
- Early-stage mild or moderate juvenile users
- Youth who have had some trouble with the law/school/home or are completing probation/court requirements
This FREE service is available to any adolescent or family that is interested. Teens may also be referred to our services from either a probation officer, school disciplinary officer, police diversion officer, a community organization, or a Teen Court jury.
HISTORY OF PROGRAM
In 2021, Brief Interventions for Substance Using Adolescents was renamed YOUth Choose.
The program is the same, only the name was changed. The Boys & Girls Club Teen Court has offered this prevention program geared towards early-stage mild to moderate users since 2011. The two sessions are one-on-one with an adult facilitator and based on Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavior techniques. The focus of the sessions is to help youth to weigh their options in regards to substance use, identify their strengths and resources, and learn to set actionable goals for staying healthy and on track.
YOUth Choose is on the SAMHSA National Registry for Evidence-Based Programs as Teen Intervene.
Prior to 2011 (from 2007-2011), in partnership with the Humboldt County Public Health Department, Humboldt County Teen Court offered a monthly workshop called “Alcohol, Other Drugs, Driving and the Law” to the community. Teens were referred to this workshop by Probation officers, Teen Court juries, or chose to attend on their own. Though we are no longer working in partnership with DHHS, YOUth Choose continues to build upon the legacy of that program.