Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) focuses on prevention, early detection, risk assessment, brief counseling and referral for assessment that can be utilized in the school setting. Use of a validated screening tool will enable school health teams to detect risk for substance use related problems and brief intervention strategies will help to address these concerns at an early stage in adolescents.
In March, 2016, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted an Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention (STEP Act) which outlines the requirements for public schools in the Commonwealth to engage in substance use screening and education. Legislation can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2016/Chapter52 (see Sections 15, 63, 64, 66).
The MA Department of Public Health School Health Services is providing skills and implementation training to assist school districts in successfully incorporating SBIRT into schools.
See below to register or request a training in your district.
For questions:
Caitlin Pettengill, DNP, RN
Assistant Director of School Health Services
MA Department of Public Health
caitlin.pettengill@state.ma.us
781-493-4260
MDPH School Health Unit in collaboration with the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services is offering trainings to assist school personnel to implement SBIRT in Schools. The training offerings for the 2019-20 School Year are:
This introductory offering is for school professionals who have not yet attended an Introduction to SBIRT Workshop. There is no “Train the Trainer” model for SBIRT in Schools and all those participating in SBIRT should attend.
Visit the SHIELD website for access to the online training and registration for the in-person workshop.
SBIRT in Schools: Mastering SBIRT (3 hours)- Mastering SBIRT Workshop is a newly developed 3 hour long skills training to increase confidence and skills in responding to the CRAFFT-II screening results using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. The training includes discussion and practice of the REACT model for reinforcement of healthy decisions (negative CRAFFT screening) and the Brief Negotiated Interview model to be used for discussion with those students who screen positive for substance use. Discussion about referral, consent and confidentiality as well as a closer look about how to talk to teens about substances will be included. For districts/individuals who have implemented SBIRT previously.
Prerequisite: Participants must have attended a six-hour Introduction to SBIRT Workshop to register for this course.
Visit www.masbirt.org/training-request to request a training for your school/district.
NOTE: Attendance at the Implementation Essentials or Mastering SBIRT courses DOES NOT replace SBIRT in Schools Training: Introduction to Identifying and Addressing Substance Use requirement for DESE licensure for school nurses or the training requirement for school health personnel involved in SBIRT screening.
For current training opportunities please visit BSAS Training Calendar.
To request a Mastering SBIRT or Implementation Essentials training, complete a request form by clicking HERE.
MASBIRT TTA is also available for consultation by request if there are specific technical assistance needs of your district. Submit an online request for a consultation HERE.
BSAS OYYAS facilitates a variety of statewide substance use trainings for adults working with youth and young adults. Find out more HERE.
State Requirement for Districts to Implement a Substance Use Related Verbal Screening Tool guidance can be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/safety/verbalscreening.html
This Frequently Asked Questions document has been prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in an effort to answer the questions that arise after attendance at SBIRT training sessions. SBIRT in Schools: FAQ
A toolkit has been developed to provide streamlined information for the implementaiton of SBIRT in Schools. It is now available on the SHIELD website under the Laws, Regulations and Guidelines section or by clicking HERE.
The following videos are examples of SBIRT. For Massachusetts SBIRT in Schools, be sure to use the Guidance and FAQs above for the most up to date information. Videos use actors portraying students. Health professionals are portrayed by professionals who work in the field, and bring their professional experience to the scenarios.
Powerpoints: SBIRT in Schools: Introduction to Identifying and Addressing Substance Use
Powerpoints: SBIRT in Schools: Implementation Essentials
Powerpoints: SBIRT in Schools: Mastering SBIRT
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Drug Guide for Parents
Marijuana Talk Kit
Speak Now
DPH Campaign: Stop Addiction Before it Starts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services has a dedicated office responsible for the oversight of state funded, substance use related services for youth and young adults, ages 12-26. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Services (OYYAS) oversees the implementation, enhancement, and sustainability of developmentally tailored services including: intervention, treatment, and recovery supports.
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline
800 327-5050
https://helplinema.org/for-parents
https://helplinema.org
The OYYAS facilitates a variety of statewide substance use trainings for adults working with youth and young adults. For current training opportunities please visit: BSAS Training Calendar
AdCare Educational Institute of Massachusetts
5 Northampton Street
Worcester, MA 01605
800-327-5050
Grayken Center for Addiction/Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Family Helpline
844-319-5999
https://graykenaddictionsupport.org
The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids have teamed up to provide Massachusetts families with the support and information they need to help address a child’s substance use, whether your son or daughter is a teenager living at home or a young adult living independently.