SBIRT in Schools

News:

• NEW Translated materials in 28 languages. Visit https://www.masbirt.org/schools/translations
• NEW Vaping Update: CRAFFT+N - Talking with Students about Nicotine, Tobacco and Vaping training is now available. This resource will guide learners through changes to the CRAFFT+N screening tool, walk through brief intervention concepts for addressing vaping, nicotine and tobacco, and make learners aware of referral and treatment resources. 
• MA Department of Public Health launches new vaping campaign Facts. No Filters. at mass.gov/vaping 
• Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution resources: MA Regional OEND Programs and interactive map of service programs
• Check out information about iDECIDE tier 2 substance use intervention curriculum: iDECIDE Overview 

About SBIRT in Schools:

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.

Legislation Mandating SBIRT in Schools

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).

SBIRT in Schools Administration

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

Training Resources:

Attend a training 

MDPH School Health Services 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 2021-22 School Year are: 

• SBIRT in Schools: Introduction to Identifying and Addressing Substance Use - Introductory training for all MA School Health Professionals conducting SBIRT. If you have attended an Introductory training previously, you do not have to take this course again.

• CRAFFT+N Talking to Students About Nicotine, Tobacco, and Vaping - Self-paced training that provides a SY21-22 update on screening tool and review of skills.
   

• BSAS Office of Youth and Young Adult Services Trainings- The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Office of Youth and Young Adult Services (OYYAS) facilitates a variety of statewide substance use trainings for adults working with youth and young adults. Visit BSAS Training Calendar.  

Refresh your skills 

The self-paced training modules can help you refresh your SBIRT in Schools skills. Be sure to consult SY21-22 resources for required screening tools and process updates. The role-played scenarios use actors portraying students and School Health Professionals. Teaching modules use Massachusetts School Health Professionals talking about their experiences. Note to School Health Personnel: Laurie Melchoinda’s work on this project as a leader in the Braintree SBIRT in Schools initiative is memorialized in these modules. Her commentarty is included with permission from the Laurie Melchionda Foundation.

SBIRT in Schools: Brief Interventions

SBIRT in Schools: Implementation 

SBIRT in Schools: Motivational Interviewing

Request training or technical assistance 

MASBIRT TTA can provide additional support, including implementation assistance and deepening of skills, to meet individual district needs. Complete a request form by clicking HERE.

DPH & DESE Guidelines and Recommendations:

DESE Office of Student and Family Support Guidance: 

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

SBIRT in Schools: FAQs

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

SBIRT in Schools: Toolkit 

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 Resources/Health Screenings section or by clicking HERE.