School-To-Prison Prevention: Connecticut Program To Reduce Student Arrests And Behavioral Incidents Expands

The School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI) in Connecticut has expanded for the 2016-2017 school year. At least 18 more schools in the state are participating in the program that was established to impove school-to-prison prevention efforts.

Six school districts with 18 middle, technical and high schools have joined the SBDI program for the current school year. The addition brings a combined 14,798 students, the press release stated. As it is, the program has 37 schools from 13 school districts in its roster.

Part of the functions of the program is to address students' behavioral concerns, thus preventing students' arrests. "Helping students access behavioral health services can address the underlying causes of misbehavior that may result in arrest and juvenile justice involvement," CHDI's Jeff Vanderploeg, Ph.D. said, according to the press release.

With the proper intervention and guidance, the students not only improve their behavior. They also become better school performers and show academic improvement. The school community also benefits from this program because of the reduction of incidence of violence and security threats.

The SBDI's average reduction rate in the referral of students' incidents in court was at 45 percent. On the other hand, referrals to the Emergency Mobile Crisis Intervention Services increased to 94 percent since the establishment of SBDI.

#rethinkdiscipline event in New Haven highlighted CT School-Based Diversion Initiative and other great programs https://t.co/Je5FfVvTt7 pic.twitter.com/ogTf9XQNlY

— CHDI (@CHDICT) December 20, 2016

The SBDI program was developed in line with Gov. Dannel Malloy's Second Chance Initiative. According to the New Haven Register, its focus is to reform prisoners, including juvenile offenders like students, through education, health programs and other non-violent means.

The Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut, Inc. (CHDI) oversees the program along with partners from state agencies. These are the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Judicial Branch's Court Support Services Division (CSSD), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the State Department of Education (SDE).

Learn more about it in the video below. Schools in Connecticut may also download the SBDI tool kit for more information.