Youth across the nation are dealing with prior trauma and toxic stress like never before. Many times, their response is to act out or to start using. Parents, teachers, peers, family members, and the community can be frustrated by these behaviors and respond in negative ways, which can make matters worse.

How can we help our young people make healthy decisions that are not based on emotional dysregulation or a response to trauma?

We can educate them to recognize and regulate their emotions! This is currently being done in Gila County Arizona with the evidence-based program, Mind Matters.

Arizona Youth Partnership is currently using Mind Matters in their Diversion Program, funded by Governor’s Office of Youth Faith and Families, in Gila County, Arizona schools.

Students are referred to the Diversion Program who are at risk for substance issues based on excessive absences from school, vaping, fighting and other offenses. The Diversion Program allows them to remain in school while learning how to deal with stress and make healthy decisions instead of being suspended, missing school, getting behind, and other continued destructive behaviors.