STEP

• Administrators - Referral forms and other related STEP documents can be found at the SACY intranet portal (VSB log-in required).

The SACY Teen Engagement Program (STEP) is a structured three-day, intensive program offered to secondary school-aged youth who can benefit from prevention education and personal reflection. The program focuses on issues surrounding alcohol or other drugs, as well as risk mitigation, decision making, healthy relationships and critical thinking. Many students choose to come to STEP to learn and to develop strategies for positive growth. The STEP program is an excellent resource that can also serve as an alternative to suspension.

STEP focuses on youth’s strengths, and encourages students to re-engage with their goals and passions.  STEP seeks to draw youth closer rather than pushing them away.

The program is tailored to give youth the opportunity to make connections with adults who will be supportive as they reflect on the challenges and opportunities many youth are facing in their lives.

STEP provides an educational and proactive alternative to traditional approaches where students served suspensions with little or no educational or program component.

What does STEP do?

• STEP aims to give young people an opportunity to consider what is working right in their lives
• STEP supports schools in providing an alternative to suspension that seeks to nurture youth strengths and their continued resiliency
• STEP supports youth and ensures they have access to youth-friendly follow-up, supports and services that meet their most immediate needs
• STEP supports parents and families and helps them access relevant services

SACY Teen Engagement Program - STEP Contact Information

STEP Coordinator: Kristina Spring
STEP Facilitator: Mandla Sibiya

Ph. 604-612-8959
Email: sacystep@vsb.bc.ca
Fax 604-713-5901

Referrals are accepted until 12:00 pm on Mondays for a Tuesday start. Referrals received after noon on Monday will be processed for the following week. Upon receiving referral requests, we will contact you to confirm a start date.

Referral forms and other related STEP documents can be found at the SACY intranet portal (VSB log-in required).

Testimonials:

I didn't think I would like it. I thought it would be a seminar-  leaders only told you how drugs are bad, don't drink etc. Instead of telling you not to do bad things, STEP helped me gain a better understanding of things, my surroundings, myself.   - STEP Youth Participant      [STEP] made me feel good and activities were pretty personal made me think over life.                - STEP Youth Participant  It was great to have people that could so quickly evaluate what and why you have different problems in your life. And were a great help to understanding myself.      - STEP Youth Participant I have witnessed students who have gone to the STEP program alter their behaviour and come back to school with a new focus. - Principal