Caregivers

Overview of SBIRT in Schools for caregivers

SBIRT is a way to have supportive conversations about substance use. 

SBIRT is:

  • 1:1 conversations with trusted school health teams
  • prevention for youth who are not currently using
  • a way to connect youth to supportive services

SBIRT is NOT:

  • a way to get students in trouble
  • saved in a student’s academic record
  • treatment for substance use

Frequently asked questions.

Caregivers can find out more about SBIRT through these frequently asked questions. For more information, reach out to your school health team.

  • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is used in schools as a process to screen for substance use and have a brief conversation. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law. School SBIRT teams can consist of school nurses, guidance counselors, health and wellness staff, youth wellness coaches, or other trained staff. 
  • All students in a grade will take part in this process. The screening and conversation takes about 5-10 minutes per student. After screening, trained school SBIRT teams will have one-on-one conversations with students about how to support their overall health, safety, and success in school. If the student needs more assessment or support, school SBIRT teams may work with the student and/or their caregiver to meet their needs.
  • Translated information about the process can be found at Sample Parent Letter Translations 
  • School SBIRT teams will conduct the SBIRT process using a screening tool that’s been designed for young people. It’s called the CRAFFT+N and it asks questions about use of alcohol, marijuana or cannabis, anything else to get high, and nicotine and tobacco products within the past year.
  • Take a look at the CRAFFT+N questions here
  • SBIRT uses a verbal process where results are confidential and not written anywhere in the student’s record.
  • SBIRT responses will be kept confidential, unless the student shares information where there is an immediate risk to their safety or someone else’s safety.
  • Follow the steps outlined by your school for the opt out procedure.

Explore resources.

Massachusetts has many supports and services for caregivers and for teens. Check out these resources to find out more or access supports and services around the state.

Find support for substance use or behavioral health concerns:

  • MA Substance Use Helpline
    • Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is a website and 24/7 hotline for information about substance use treatment, recovery, and supportive services across the state. The helpline resources can be accessed by youth themselves, or on behalf of youth by parents, guardians, or school professionals.
    • Call 800-327-5050 or visit HelplineMA.org.
  • Behavioral Health Helpline
    • The Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) connects individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use offered in Massachusetts, including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care. Call for real-time support, initial clinical assessment, and connection to the right evaluation and treatment.
    • Call or text 833-773-2445 or visit Masshelpline.com.
  • NAMI Massachusetts
    • Family support programs at NAMI Massachusetts are free, family-led, and open to people who are family members, friends, partners, and other caregivers of people who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or experienced mental health symptoms.
    • Call 800-370-9085 or visit Namimass.org.
  • Handhold
    • A Massachusetts resource to guide parents, guardians, and family partners in caring for their child’s mental health and emotional well-being.
    • Call 877-382-1609 to find your local behavioral health emergency services program.

Explore more about substance use in adolescence:

  • Substance Use Prevention for Caregivers
    • Information on various substances, prevention tips, and other free resources for substance use prevention, provided by Mass.gov.
  • iCARE
    • iCARE is a new, free program for caregivers looking for self-paced education and tips about navigating adolescent substance use.
  • Talk. They Hear You. campaign, resources for Caregivers
    • Substance Use and Mental Health Services campaign to support parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s health and wellbeing and find useful resources.
  • Partnership to End Addiction
    • Resources every step of the way, from preventing substance use to guidance on managing recovery.

Find help.

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is a website and 24/7 hotline for information about substance use treatment, recovery, and supportive services across the state. The helpline resources can be accessed by students themselves, or on behalf of students by parents, guardians, or school professionals. Call 800-327-5050 or visit HelplineMA.org. 

More information.

Empower kids through supportive conversations about substance use.

Caregivers can make a difference by having supportive conversations and collaborating with school SBIRT teams.