What is this strategy?
Fund programs, services, or training to encourage early identification and intervention for children or adolescents who may be struggling with problematic use of drugs or mental health conditions, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, peer-based programs, or similar approaches. Training programs may target parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health or human services professionals, or others in contact with children or adolescents.
Why early intervention?
Licit and illicit drug use are part of our world. Early drug use is complex and multi-faceted. These interventions empower people to understand and address the underlying issues that accelerate drug use.
Featured Resources
Complete List of Resources
The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments better understand this strategy.
The resources below are organized by level.
Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources | Advanced Resources
Introductory Resources
NC Association of County Commissioners Webinar
A webinar that focuses on early intervention programs with presentations from Deena Fulton, MPH, of D. Fulton Consulting, PoeCenter, and Community Impact North Carolina
Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens
A free curriculum that consists of 15 lessons that can be completed in a 45- to 50-minute class period
Treatment and Services Adaptation Center
Center that promotes trauma-informed school systems that provide prevention and early intervention strategies
NC Substance Use and Behavioral Health Coalitions
View contact information for NC substance use and behavioral health coalitions by county
Early Intervention, Treatment, and management of Substance Use Disorders
This chapter of the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health provides an overview of the evidence supporting early intervention and treatment
Intermediate Resources
Pregnancy & Substance Use – A Harm Reduction Toolkit
A toolkit for use by pregnant and parenting people who use drugs, their loved ones, and their service providers
Trauma Sensitive Schools Training Package
Offers school and district staff a roadmap for adopting a school- or districtwide approach to addressing trauma and promoting resilience
Advanced Resources
NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan
Learn about the state’s 12-point plan and share how your work aligns
Early Childhood Action Plan
This plan shares a cohesive vision, sets benchmarks, and establishes shared accountability to achieve statewide goals for children from birth through age 8
Strengthening Families Program
A year 10 evaluation report of the Strengthening Families Program, an evidence-based 14-week family skills training program
