If you are an administrator who would like to refer a student from your school, please see the form below, or call us if you have any questions.

The Constructive Alternative to Teen Suspension (CATS) program is run by RASS to all secondary schools in Richmond since 2007. CATS is a structured, educational program involving a mandatory 3-day commitment for youth who have violated the drug and alcohol policy in the Richmond School District. Students are expected to attend days A, B, and C for successful completion of the program. In response to the changing landscape of substance use, CATS offers a separate half-day session on vaping on the last Friday of the month since 2019.

To get connected or make a referral, please use our general contact form or phone us at 604-270-9220.

Students can be referred to the program 2 ways:

1.) Violation of the drug and alcohol policy within the Richmond School District (SD #38);

2.) Attendance supported by the school administration, school counsellors as well as the parents and student for a more therapeutic intervention.

Schedule

The CATS program is based on a 3-day schedule and runs from 8:30am-12pm three days a week at RASS. The Vaping session runs from 8:30am-12pm on the last Friday of the month at RASS. Depending on the reasons for attendance, the student may or may not be allowed back in the school during the CATS program.

The CATS program focus for students is three-fold:

To learn how to make thoughtful, process-oriented decisions.

To better understand their own level of use or misuse of drugs, alcohol, gambling or other addictive behaviours.

To learn skills and increase their knowledge base with regards to coping and addictive behaviours.

We cover content on:

  • What is a drug?
  • Benefits and Costs
  • Five Life Areas
  • Decision Grid
  • Alcohol and the Brain
  • Canada Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
  • Fentanyl and other Drugs
  • Continuum of Use
  • Marijuana
  • Canada Low Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
  • Vaping
  • Refusal Skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Body in Balance
  • Stages of Change
  • Coping Skills

Testimonials from CATS participants

CATS

Thank you for being so understanding and non-judgemental.

CATS

The CATS program was really awesome and I loved it. It also really helped.

CATS

Great program. Love this program. Please keep it going. Will not use alcohol anymore.

CATS

It is a good program and I recommend anyone who has a problem to visit CATS.