Prevention Programs

Broward County Public Schools established an Office of Prevention Programs (OPP) 25 years ago as a resource to assist public / charter / private schools in mental health preventive intervention services, substance abuse and violence prevention efforts.  The OPP has worked with schools to develop and implement curriculums and instructional programs to address alcohol and other drug abuse, violence, and many other problems young people face.  Although curriculums and instructional programs have been important and necessary, they are insufficient alone.  To prevent or reduce rates of substance abuse and violent behavior among youth, school-based early intervention and prevention efforts have been coordinated with broader environmental strategies that address change not only at the individual, classroom, and school levels, but also at the family and community levels.

Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDFS) Program is the Federal Government's primary vehicle for reducing violence, drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, through education and prevention activities in the schools. The program is designed to prevent violence in and around schools, involve parents, and is coordinated with related Federal, State, and community efforts and resources.  Beginning in 1980, the OPP has annually been awarded federal dollars from Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Grant. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has recognized Project B.L.A.S.T.'s ability to provide services through dedicated funding over the last 3 years.  In addition, the State of Florida Department of Education has awarded OPP with supplemental grants to provide Tobacco Prevention initiatives.

Locally, OPP has collaborated with The Starting Place and the South Broward Hospital District for the implementation of Project T.E.A.M. (Tools for Empowerment, Achievement, and Motivation); this current initiative was funded through the Children's Services Administration Division (CSAD). The CSAD also currently funds the Broward Alliance for Student Success which has been met with promising initial results. In the past, CSAD has also funded OPP for Project B.L.A.S.T.'s summer counseling and Connecting with Kids® initiatives.

Please click on the links at the left to view each program we offer.