Non-Punitive Alternative to Youth Suspension Programs - 8/6/07

Q: We are working with Colorado and the State Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP), to revise the content and format of the “Second Chance Alternative to Suspension Curriculum”. This is an alternative to suspension program designed for high school students to self-direct with the primary goal of increasing compliance with tobacco-free school policy. Do any other states use a non-punitive, alternative to suspension program? What is the format and/or curriculum? Has research been done to determine the effectiveness of the program?

A:

  1. Alabama - The Not on Tobacco alternative to suspension program was implemented in Alabama several years ago as part of a study funded by the American Legacy Foundation on the effectiveness of NOT in general. The Principal Investigator on the grant was Connie Kohler, DrPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 205-934-6020 or CKohler@hb.soph.uab.edu.
     
  2. Ohio – Not on Tobacco is an ATS program supported by ALA.  It’s been used in WV and FL.  You can contact Jan Stine at Ohio Dept. of Health.  She promoted this program in our state many years ago- 614-728-2957 or jan.stine@odh.ohio.gov.
     
  3. West Virginia – Some counties in West Virginia are utilizing the Not On Tobacco (NOT) Program as an alternative to suspension program. Contact the West Virginia Department of Tobacco Prevention’s Youth Program Manager, Electa Crowder (electacrowder@wvdhhr.org or 304-558-1739) about the ATS Program and NOT.
     
  4. South Dakota – In western South Dakota, the Juvenile Diversion Program at the States Attorney’s office refers youth who are cited for tobacco use to Lifeways.  The individual then attends a two-hour tobacco abstinence education class that Lifeways administers.  If the same individual has a second or third citation with tobacco then they are referred to Lifeways again for one-on-one time with the Lifeways advisor in their school.  Contact e is a program in western South Dakota that fits the description.  Contact Ken Rostad from Lifeways in Rapid City, SD at 605-716-6555.

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