Building Resilience via Advocacy, Counselling & Education (BRACE) is an evidence-based, alcohol and other drug (AOD) program that embeds Youth AOD Clinicians in high-need secondary schools, to address youth substance misuse, together with co-occurring issues such as mental health, violence, antisocial behaviour and youth offending.
BRACE was successfully implemented across 7 schools (8 campuses) between 2022-2024 in Northwest metropolitan Melbourne by Odyssey’s Youth and Family Services team. The program’s success was documented by Deakin University in their independent evaluation of the program. The evaluation confirmed high levels of satisfaction, engagement and evidence of impact on staff and students across all schools.
Central to BRACE’s success is embedding an AOD clinician in schools. Having a regular presence allows clinicians to build rapport and trust with students. As a result, students are more likely to reach out for help, for themselves or others. In total 275 students participated in 762 counselling sessions.
Clinicians were also able to provide outreach support to students not at school, such as during suspensions, on weekends or school holidays. This is something that the school wellbeing staff are unable to do. It is also a critical time for students disengaging from education.
BRACE also provided professional development to teachers and wellbeing staff on how to respond and manage students with AOD issues. School staff were able access clinicians for advice. Both clinicians and classroom teachers worked together reinforcing strategies for individual students.
BRACE was successful in engaging close to 1,500 students in one or more of its components. This also includes mental health screening, support and referral; AOD education programs; outreach family/caregiver support; and wrap-around supports that build individual social skills.
Overwhelmingly, the Deakin University evaluation highlighted the critical need for embedding AOD specialist programs and counselling within secondary schools.
Students, parents and teachers expressed the impact of BRACE as “life changing”.
BRACE was a finalist in the national HESTA and the Victorian Public Health awards, and we are now seeking funding to ensure its ongoing success.