Hanover Middle School SBIRT Screenings 5/1/23

We are writing to inform you that the annual SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) screening will take place May 17, 2023. This state-mandated substance misuse screening is intended to help your child make healthy choices about drugs and alcohol as they navigate the adolescent years. Our goal is to provide accurate information about the misuse of drugs and alcohol, to reinforce healthy decisions, and to assist students in obtaining support if needed for substance use-related problems.

All screenings will be conducted during the school day by a school nurse, guidance counselor, adjustment counselor or school psychologist in private one-on-one sessions. We will use the CRAFFT 2 + N screening tool, the most commonly used substance use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts. A copy of the screening tool can be viewed on the Health Services website under “Health Screenings.” 

Students who report they are not using substances will have their healthy choices reinforced by the screener. Students who report isolated substance use, or who are at risk for future substance use will receive brief feedback. If needed, we will refer students to our counseling staff for further evaluation with the student’s consent. If the screener identifies that the student is at immediate risk of harm, parents will be notified and a referral for additional evaluation and treatment may be made. This program focuses on prevention and keeping students safe. Students’ responses will be confidential and will not generate disciplinary action. Results of the screening will not be documented in any record. Summary reports without names or identifying information will be sent to the Department of Public Health, according to state law.

As with any school screening, you have the right to opt your child out of this screening. Please send a note or email to your school nurse if you do not wish your child to participate. Additionally, screening is voluntary, and students may choose not to answer any or all of the screening questions.

We encourage all parents/guardians to talk with their children about substance use. For ideas on how to begin these conversations, please visit the resources posted on the Health Services website.

Sincerely,

Joelle Casey, BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse

Daniel Birolini
Principal