Prevention Programs

This program is a collaboration with the Healthy Start Coalition, the program provides education about the harm of using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Topics include pregnancy prevention, pre-pregnancy health and effects of substance use on a growing fetus.

This program provides a linkage to the Child Welfare System to engage and support substance involved child welfare families’ substance use treatment and recovery with a goal of improving both substance use and child welfare outcomes. FIS provides adult substance use outreach, screening assessment, intervention and case management. The FIS counselor’s role is to be a consultant to, and coordinate with, child welfare and a motivator/supporter for the families.

941-953-0000 or 941-376-1680

Living Skills Prevention Program 
A free adult prevention education program offered to any group 18+ in Sarasota County
Living Skills is divided into two unique components: Personal Growth and Practical Guidance. Personal growth covers the internal skills needed to be a positive member of a community while Practical Guidance provides information on the day-to-day external skills needed to live a healthy life.
Each individual topic includes four (30-45 minute) sessions. Living Skills is a resource offered to individuals in a group setting. Registration is open to both individuals and organizations with small groups who can benefit from any of these classes, pick one or more topics to be scheduled at your convenience.

This program is offered to families whose children engage in behaviors that might lead to substance use. Education is provided to parents and designed to create awareness of the potential consequences of continued substance use/misuse. The program enhances familial communication skills and provides alternative activities to substance use caregivers who have at-risk youth.

The SOS provides intensive wrap-around services which include medication assisted treatment. The program consists of two teams; a care coordinator and a peer recovery specialist for the purpose of engagement, support and community resources. The program is for Sarasota residents only.

941-953-0000
Our community- and school-based prevention programs focus on education about drugs, alcohol and behavior.
Our evidence-based prevention programs offer a variety of free classes that cover prevention of drugs and alcohol use; social skills and relationships; goal setting; decision making; peer pressure; staying healthy; good communication; social relationships; bullying; media messages; and the influence that social media has on today’s young people.
We offer four curriculums: Too Good For Drugs (high school and middle school); Marijuana - Download the Facts; Say It Straight; and SPORT Wellness.
First Step of Sarasota therapists also provide on-site treatment to middle school-aged students. Students are referred by school counselors and administrators. The therapists provide individual and family counseling, crisis stabilization services, and ongoing treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD with the goal of supporting school performance.

941-953-0000
The Family Life Intervention Program (FLIP) reaches out to improve the lives of at-risk students ages 7 to 17 and their families. Students are referred by schools, community agencies, the court system, and their families.
A plan of action is developed that is appropriate for each individual and their family. The program combines therapy, tutoring, mentoring, and social activities. Students and their families also receive support to help them gain independence and self-sufficiency.
Finding help can be difficult…..we coordinate all the services for you!
The program provides stability, positive peer interaction and mentoring.

941-953-0000
Prevention and early intervention specialists in high schools and middle schools in Sarasota and DeSoto counties provide services to students who are either referred by the school counselors or school administrations. Students may also refer themselves. Staff members meet with students individually and in groups for check-ins, counseling and mentoring, drop-out or suspension prevention, substance-abuse counseling, mediation, social media bullying, grief counseling, help during a personal crisis, or to help find community resources