PASS (Positive Alternatives for Student Support) in Beverly, MA, offered through the YMCA, is a resource designed to provide students with a positive environment and therapeutic services as an alternative to traditional school suspension. This program began official enrollment in the fall of 2018 after administrators voiced their increasing frustration with the lack of resources around altering behaviors of suspended students.
This treatment program offers tutoring, counseling, and other forms of support to manage underlying issues that may have led to disciplinary actions. The goal is for students to develop coping skills and address behavioral issues positively, while receiving individualized academic support and minimizing disruption to their social and academic growth. When a student chooses PASS over a traditional suspension, time away from school is cut in half. This allows students to return to their regular learning environments sooner, and with the tools they need to succeed.
Essex County Outreach has recently joined the team of clinicians, educators, and therapeutic mentors at PASS to assist students struggling with mental health or substance use. ECO embraces this opportunity to collaborate with local and regional programs focused on early intervention and helping teens navigate obstacles with resources, support, and encouragement.
“Many of the students getting referred to PASS have little external support concerning substance use and mental health,” said Faith Brock, an ECO Recovery Coach working at the program. “We meet one-on-one with students during their time here to introduce positive avenues of abstaining from substance use.” Brock also helps students find and use community supports, including ECO, as they move forward.
PASS serves the following districts: Beverly, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Greater Lawrence Tech, Ipswich, Lynn, Newburyport, Salem, Salem Charter Academy, Saugus, Georgetown, Triton.
For more information about PASS, or to contact a member of staff, click here.