Reconnecting At-Risk Youth to Prevent Drug Abuse, School Failure and Suicide Risk Behaviors

This presentation outlines a preventative intervention program called a Personal Growth Class (PGC) in 5 high schools. Preliminary findings from a study of program effectiveness suggest the PGC program provides students with the means for improving school performance, & reducing drug involvement, emotional distress, & suicide risk behaviours. Preliminary field tests of the MAPS (Measure of Adolescent Potential for Suicide) developed for this program show strong promise as a screening instrument.