CHOICES INC

Programs

1. The positive alternatives to student suspension (pass program) is an effective early-intervention model and acts as a lever for referral to services that address the mounting adolescent substance use and mental health crisis. Choices pass program is the 4th pass program to open in massachusetts.schools lack the capacity to assess, offer interventions, and connect to services the youth population whosuffer from mental health and substance use disorder. Choices has the internal capacity to assess, connectand intervene, as we interrupt the trajectory for suspended students who then become entangled within thejuvenile justice system. The problem behavior that leads to suspension can indicate an underlying issue. Themoment of suspension is also a moment for intervention and a vital opportunity to change outcomes forstudents.during the pass program, students with substance use, mental health and co-occurring disorders areidentified and connected to services, including resources for substance use treatment and recovery. Theassessment step of the pass program is crucial. Typically, students do not self-identify as needing support formental health or substance use issues, and the school…

   $101,351 spent$3,375 earned by the program
   30% of program spending

2. The alternative peer group (apg) is a recovery support service for adolescents experiencing sud and co-occurring disorders. Positive recovering peers support recovery by reinforcing recovery and prosocial behaviors. One of the first lessons peer role models teach new adolescents is how to have fun in recovery. Apg youth staff members (I.e: young people in recovery) assist the counselors in shaping recovery norms by engaging with clients as mentors and coaches, facilitating peer- led groups, and engaging in and monitoring pro-recovery social activities and afterschool hangouts. As new apg members gain time in the program, they are taught and held responsible forbecoming a leader. These adolescents are asked to sit on committees that may plan and organize weekendpro-recovery social functions or retreats. As the adolescent develops friendships and becomes more invested inthe community, the social pressure to maintain prosocial behavior grows. Many adolescents report their desireto be honest about relapses and behavioral regressions. New families are encouraged to listen and learn fromfamilies who have ''been there'' with their children through parent groups and informal coffee…

   $202,702 spent
   60% of program spending

3. The education and recovery academy (era) is a flexible, creative program that affords adolescents struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders, the opportunity to to prepare and take the hiset or ged, or to enroll in one of 2 massachusetts diploma granting virtual high schools, while gaining both academic and psycho-social support. Choices era provides a treatment focused environment with embedded academic preparation for adolescents and young adultsthrough age 21. Many of our students have experienced school failure, invisibility and shame at the hands of a system that is not crafted to meet significant mental health and substance abuse issues.students who are 16 plus, are eligible to take the ged (general equivalency degree) or the hiset (highschool equivalency test) exam, and prepare for and take these exams at choices, while receivingsocial/emotional support and mentoring within the framework of a recovery environment. Financialliteracy, career exploration and job coaching are embedded within the schedule.the era program isopen from 10:00-6:00 pm, monday-friday, and the schedule is individualized based on educational andpsycho-social need.

   $33,783 spent
   10% of program spending

The 3 programs described on its FY2023 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $337,836.