We get this question all the time: from agencies considering our programs; from sites using one and thinking of adding the other; and from grant writers needing to distinguish between the two programs.

Reconnecting Youth (RY) is a semester-long CLASS, implemented in the school, as part of the regular schedule, and is offered for credit and a grade. RY was designed for students at risk for school dropout, and we have an algorithm/formula using referrals and student records to determine who “qualifies”. RY class size should not exceed 10-12 students. RY has a rich evidence-base as a Tier 3 or Indicated prevention program.

Coping and Support Training (CAST) is a 12-session GROUP, which can be implemented in a variety of locations: schools, mental health agencies, faith-based organizations, juvenile detention centers, private practice, etc. CAST groups should have 6-8 youth max. CAST can be offered as one of the following:

Reconnecting Youth for Out-of-School Time (RY Time) is a distilled version of our award-winning Reconnecting Youth Program. Designed to be delivered in just 10 hour-long sessions, RY Time can also be extended to a month, a summer, or even an entire semester, depending on program needs. Any youth (6-12 grade) can participate in groups of no more than 12 students. RY Time provides additional support and resources for students to enhance their social and mental well-being beyond the regular school day.

*NOTE an invitation and ability to opt out is essential!

We think the Reconnecting Youth, RY Time and CAST Programs work for a lot of reasons! But if pushed to pick the top four reasons why these evidence-based programs work, we’d choose these:

1. The Leader! If your RY or CAST Teacher/Facilitator is a caring, engaged and supportive adult who is passionate about youth and program fidelity, you should have a successful program.
2. Positive Peer Culture! The youth invited to be in RY and CAST have a job and agree to it; they are all there to support one another, regardless of their differences or their diverse personal goals. Each youth brings strengths to share with the other group members.
3. Skills Training! RY and CAST aren’t counseling groups. They are life skills training courses. Youth learn and practice skills in each session that they apply daily to their real-life situations. These life skills benefit the RY and CAST youth well into their adult lives.
4. Developer-sponsored Training! Our trainings are engaging, interactive and practice-focused.

YES! Both programs are designed for 50-55 minute sessions. But RY and CAST work in different ways.

Since RY is a school class, it needs to follow the bell schedule, whatever that may be. Sometimes schools have as little as 45-minute periods, sometimes as much as 75-90. If an RY class is scheduled for 3rd period, which meets on a block schedule (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri for 80 minutes), you can combine two RY lessons into each class session. For those of you who are familiar with the Anatomy of an RY Lesson, you would start at the beginning (Check-In) and teach all the way through one lesson; then start the next lesson at Big Ideas and teach through that lesson. It is wise to allow the students a “brain break” at some point, perhaps midway through.

If you are implementing CAST in a school (which is only one of many appropriate settings), you simply keep the students together for the length of the CAST session. If you complete the session within 55 minutes, then you can send them back to class for the remainder of the period! Some schools prefer you to pull CAST students out of class for the latter part of a period, which allows them to be present for some of the lesson and get their assignments before leaving for their CAST group.

YES! Besides school settings, CAST can be implemented in a mental health agency, faith-based organization, juvenile detention center, private practice, inpatient setting or community agency.

The Coordinator assures implementation fidelity. A Coordinator supports the Teacher/Facilitator so that the program is delivered as designed, helping the group members achieve their best outcomes.

The RY or CAST Coordinator must have in-depth knowledge of the program; often this is someone who has facilitated the program themselves with success. Additionally, they must possess the skills, knowledge, and authority to support and sustain the necessary program infrastructure; and they must have the time, ability and willingness to provide oversight and supervision of the program.

Forming partnerships within the school and wider community, participating in the development of a Crisis Response Plan and overseeing youth selection, screening and assessment are all important tasks of the Coordinator.

Coordinator Training is highly recommended, and available through RY Inc. For a quick overview of any of our training offerings, review the Training section of our website.