Prevention Center

The NWESD Prevention Center provides services to help schools create a Supportive Learning Environment, which helps all students overcome challenges and reach their educational goals.  We offer the following programs and services:

Prevention Redesign Initiative (PRI)
NWESD in partnership with Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR)and Whatcom and Snohomish Counties provides prevention intervention services in Darrington Middle/High School; North Middle School (Everett School District); Shuksan Middle School (Bellingham School District); Ferndale High School; and Emerson High School in Mt. Vernon.  All PRI sites are using the Project SUCCESS model.

 In the 2012-2013 school year, one school from Island County will be selected. Selected districts work collaboratively with county health departments and community coalitions. Outcomes of the project include reduced substance abuse, increased student achievement, and decrease juvenile crime in the community.

Districts who have participated in the Prevention Intervention Program in the past can still access resources, such as RMC for data collection, and the NWESD for any trainings offered through the PRI. 

Educational Advocates
The NWESD provides Educational Advocates who focus on student academic, social/emotional, and physical health in order to overcome barriers which prevent student success in school. Advocates serve students re-entering their community and school settings from the judicial system as well as students who have been identified by schools as potential dropouts.

Program for Success
The NWESD provides Chemical Dependency treatment in the Anacortes, Concrete, La Conner, and Sedro-Woolley School Districts for students between the ages of 13-17. Referrals to Program for Success can be made by teachers, probations officers, school staff, or family members.

Regional Crisis Response Team (RCRT)
In the event of a school crisis the RCRT can provide professionally trained volunteer counselors to assist in a crisis response. This team can help coordinate the crisis response process, and provide additional comfort and guidance to a school district in crisis. RCRT now requires a fee for service. For more information, please contact a staff member or visit the RCRT page.

Student Safety Assessment Team (SSAT)
The SSAT functions as a multidisciplinary group.  Modeled on a federal program, this two-tiered approach starts at the school with a Building Level review of a potential student safety issue, then brings together education, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to reassess the situation and suggest action and follow-up.  County Level Assessments now require a fee for service.  Please visit the SSAT page for more information and downloadable documents.

Youth Leadership/Peer Education

• Natural Helpers Program™
  Natural Helpers™ is a peer-helping program. Through the program, middle and high school students strengthen their communication and helping skills and provide support to others and service to schools and community. Please contact a staff member for program training fees.
   
• Peer Mediation
  A program for middle and high school students, peer mediation is an approach to resolve conflicts. Students learn to understand and respect different views, to open and improve communication, to develop cooperation in solving a common problem, and to reach agreements that address the interests of both sides. Please contact a staff member for program training fees.