Alternative Suspension

Alternative Suspension

Alternative Suspension is an out-of-school intervention program.

The program establishes bonds of trust and creates a support network for students who have been or are at risk of being suspended from school due to problematic behavior while also supporting a consistent and strong academic focus.

It aims to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to turn their time away from school into a positive experience that encourages personal growth, the development of social skills, and autonomy.

Students may be referred for any of the following concerns:
  • Absenteeism/lack of participation in classes
  • Apathy and lack of motivation
  • Issues related to substance misuse
  • Disruptive and impulsive behavior
  • Physical, verbal or psychological violence
  • Theft or vandalism
  • Academic struggles or needing an adult to guide them with time management and motivation
  • Needing additional support to help with mental health needs

To learn more about the program, please contact us at [email protected] or ask your school to contact us.

Program Details
  • Schools administer student referrals to the program
  • Participating youth must undergo an individual assessment. A youth worker will develop a personalized profile of participating individuals
  • Morning sessions focus on academic achievement and afternoon sessions on thematic workshops to reduce identified risk factors
  • Youth may also participate in recreational activities
  • Intervention sessions last an average of five days
  • After the program is complete, students reintegrate back into the school/community and the youth worker will follow up to determine the impact of the ASP on the student
  • Youth workers provide regular communication with parents during the ASP
Program Outcomes
  • Self-awareness of problematic behavior
  • Increased self-esteem and respect
  • Expanded network of social support
  • Reduced associations with problematic peers
  • Decreased aggressive, impulsive, disruptive, and antisocial behavior
  • Positive academic aspirations and motivations
  • Increased school achievement and graduation rate

The Alternative Suspension Program wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our partner:

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