Community member involvement in school-based prevention : bridging gaps to adult connection in educational institutions

Roby, LaTreece N. Teen mental health and connectedness to school are interconnected factors that significantly influence a teenager's present and future life outcomes. In response to a decrease in feelings of school connectedness and a increase in suicidal ideation and sucide attempts amongst teens across the country, a growing number of states are rolling out system and district level policies for suicide prevention and social-emotional learning interventions. Educators are not always equip with the knowledge, skills, time or desire to implement such programs. Community organizations can harness useful skills, financial resources and connections to volunteers to aid schools in the implementation of prevention and SEL interventions. Sources of Strength is a connection-based evidenced-based suicide prevention program being implemented in schools across the United States. Sources of Strength traditionally leverages school-based adult and student connections to promote a positive school culture shift towards help seeking, increased school connectedness and a sense of belonging. This study examines the use of community members as adult advisors in the Sources of Strength program and their impact on students self-reported quality of connection to adults. Qualitative data associated with 17 open-ended questions from 12 participants was analyzed utilizing grounded theory. The 3 major themes that emerged from the data were sense of connection with adults, pathways of connection and a safe place for communication. Through analysis of th data a new theory emerged called Community Member Integration Theory. This theory is a foundation for best practices on successfully integrating community members into Sources of Strength programs as adult advisors.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Roby, LaTreece N.

• Suicide--Prevention
• Teenagers--Suicidal behavior
• Teenagers--Mental health

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/901

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:901