CURRICULUM-BASED SUPPORT GROUP (CBSG^®) PROGRAM

The Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG^®) Program is a unique, multi-cultural, evidence-based preventive intervention for selective and indicated populations.  The program is designed for males and females, ages 4-17, whose high-risk situations, attitudes and behaviors place them at elevated risk for future behavioral and health problems including substance abuse, delinquency and violence.

The support group modality sets the CBSG^® Program apart from other preventive interventions.  Children and youth meet in confidential, small group settings and are taught a set of essential life skills to help them learn how to:  cope with difficult family situations, resist negative peer pressure, respect others, set and achieve goals, make healthy choices, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 

The CBSG^® Program is curriculum-based and has been recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).   Empirical studies show that the CBSG^® Program reduces anti-social attitudes and rebellious behavior, increases anti-drug-use attitudes and intentions, reduces early substance use/experimentation and increases coping and social skills.

The original CBSG^® Program was developed in 1982 for use in schools and community-based settings.  To accommodate grant and contract requirements, age groupings for schools and community-based settings are available in separate volumes:

• CBSG^® Program for Schools & Community-based Settings, also available under the titles:
• Kids’ Connection (ages 4-12); and
• Youth Connection (ages 10-17)

The CBSG^® Program curriculum has been adapted to meet specific needs of certain populations:

• CBSG^® Program for Homeless Shelters, Group Homes, & Transitional Settings (also known as Kids’ Connection, Too – Ages 4-15)
• CBSG^® Program for Christian Faith-Based Settings (also known as Faith Connection – Ages 4-15)

To replicate the CBSG^® Program, you must be trained as a facilitator.  Rainbow Days provides CBSG^® Program Facilitator Training throughout Texas and the nation.  Please click on the “Training” tab on our website for details concerning training fees, schedules, etc. 

For general information on the Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG^®) Program, click below:
CBSG^® Program Overview (in Acrobat PDF)
Curriculum-Based Support Groups (CBSG^®) Program: Target Group in Relationship to Different Prevention System Definitions

For details, click below to read the CBSG^® Program Scope and Sequence:
Rainbow Days' CBSG^® Program: For Children and Youth Ages 4-17 for Use in Schools and Community Based Settings Scope and Sequence
Rainbow Days’ CBSG^® Program: For Children and Youth Ages 4-15 for Use in Christian Faith Based Settings Scope and Sequence Youth Connection
Rainbow Days’ CBSG^® Program: For Children and Youth Ages 4-15 for Use in Shelters, Group Homes and Transitional Settings Scope and Sequence

Frequently Asked Questions

RESEARCH & EVALUATION

Click below for the independent review of the CBSG^® Program conducted by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP):
NREPP Review of CBSG^® Program
NREPP Review of CBSG^® Program (full review)

Click below for information on CBSG^® Program Research and Evaluation:
CBSG^® Logic Model
CBSG^® Program - 2003 Control Group Study- Final Report
Texas Department of State Health Services - Statewide Evaluation - CBSG^® Program

Click below for additional research articles:
Report by John J. Hedl, PhD - Inhalant Abuse: Deadly, on the Rise Again, Linked to Delinquency and Violence, and Preventable