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Johnson County Reach outlines youth prevention, family and recovery programs to Venus ISD board
Summary
Representatives from Johnson County Reach described prevention and youth-recovery programs they offer to schools and communities, including curricula for universal classroom instruction, selective small-group interventions and a family program that focuses on relationship-building and communication.
A representative from Johnson County Reach told the Venus ISD Board of Trustees about the nonprofit’s prevention-focused programs for students and families in Johnson County, with an emphasis on substance-misuse prevention, life-skills curricula and a youth recovery program.
The presenter described how prevention work focuses on reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors, citing research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences as background for the organization’s approach. Reach outlined three tiers of programming: universal school-wide curriculum (delivered to entire grade levels), selective small-group interventions for at-risk students and indicated interventions or recovery support for youth who have already experienced substance-related harms.
Examples Reach offered included a vape-education escape-room activity, evidence-based curricula for life-skills development, a family program (Guiding Good Choices) that can be offered in person or virtually and a youth-recovery program serving ages 13–21 with peer-led supports and family wraparound services. The presenter said the organization’s programs are state-approved and free to schools and that Reach provides parent letters, TEKS alignment and optional family outreach components for districts that request them.
Trustees asked about program delivery in short-term disciplinary placements (DAEP). The Reach representative said many programs are flexible and can be adapted for short-term settings; the organization can also provide a sequence of sessions timed to students’ placement length or offer supplemental presentations. Reach also described a tobacco-prevention youth-coalition model that trains student leaders to lead peer messaging and social-media initiatives.
Ending: Reach offered to supply detailed curricula descriptions, TEKS crosswalks and local costs or grant options; the organization invited district staff to request specific program outlines and implementation timelines.
