Understanding the Challenge
Substance use is a significant cause of chronic absenteeism. Schools are encouraged to address this issue with a healing-centered, collaborative approach that prioritizes evidence-based practices and connects students with supportive adults and community resources.
School exclusion, including suspensions, may only be used as a last resort when students or staff are in imminent danger and only after all requirements of the CPS Student Code of Conduct have been met.
Strategies & Supports
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Local Substance Use Support
The Office of Student Health and Wellness and the Office of Social Emotional Learning will provide local substance use resources and support, including substance use treatment referral assistance.
Contact these teams at mentalhealth@cps.edu and osel@cps.edu for support. Please note that these email addresses should not be used for support during medical emergencies or crisis management. During medical emergencies, call 911.
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Health-related Response Resources
The Office of Student Health and Wellness and the Office of Social Emotional Learning will provide administrators and staff with health-related response resources, including professional learning, evidence-based strategies, and guidance related to:
- SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) SBIRT is an evidence-based approach for screening adolescents for substance use that can be implemented by members of the school’s BHT.
- The CRAFFT Screener
To register for the OSEL training opportunities, complete this form.
For training and consultation on re-entry supports, contact your Network SEL Specialist or the Office of Social Emotional Learning (osel@cps.edu; 773-553-1830).
Tools & Resources
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The Restorative Re-entry Toolkit offers guidance and resources to help students returning to school after a serious incident or extended absence. It provides schools with the protocols to ensure students, staff, and families feel supported and prepared for a smooth and successful transition.
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Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Policy Implementation Guide
In July 2024, CPS adopted a new Comprehensive Student Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Policy that focuses on substance use prevention and intervention awareness as part of a broader, healing-centered, whole-child-focused approach.
- Substance Use and Mental Health Comorbidity Topic Guide
- Substance Use Resources - A Guide for CPS