Volunteers of America, Utah's Prevention Services supports positive youth development by providing youth and families with pro-social opportunities for connection, teaching important life skills and recognizing youth for their for positive contributions to their community.

We provide a continuum of evidence-based prevention programs for youth and families in Salt Lake County. These programs address the developmental and social factors that put youth at-risk for substance use by helping youth and families build positive social skills to improve decision-making and family interactions. Our services are provided as outreach in the community – Local schools and youth organizations host a program and recruit participants at their sites.

The programs and trainings listed below makeup VOA Utah's Prevention Services.

One of the most proven and celebrated youth programs in the world, LST provides young people with the confidence and skills necessary to handle challenging situations. Students in 5th through 10th grade classrooms participate in 8 to 10 sessions exploring decision-making skills, communication, refusing negative peer pressure, the risks of prescription drug misuse, to provide guidance for making healthy choices and staying safe.

Botvin LST provides young people with the confidence and skills necessary to handle challenging situations. Students in 5th through 10th grade classrooms participate in 8 to 10 sessions exploring decision-making skills, communication, refusing negative peer pressure, the risks of prescription drug misuse—all to provide guidance for making healthy choices and staying safe.

The Living Skills Program is a group workshop where kids ages 6 to 11 learn together about emotions, cooperation, stress, and more. The ten sessions are facilitated by a trained prevention specialist.

Created at Volunteers of America, Utah's Cornerstone Counseling Center, Living Skills has been cited by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the “20 Most Effective Programs” for youth. Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to attend small, weekly skills groups that cover topics such as: self-concept, cooperation, and expressing feelings in healthy ways. The program is provided as a pull-out group during the school day, in after-school programs, and at various community sites.

The Voices program helps adolescents build essential life skills and positive peer connections during a pivotal time of change and growth. Youth ages 10 to 17 are invited to attend small, weekly skills groups that cover topics such as: self-concept, managing difficult feelings, creating healthy friendships and refusing negative peer pressure. The program is provided as a pull-out group during the school day, in after-school programs, and at various community sites.

This Salt Lake School District program strengthens family management skills and improves communication between parents and their children (ages 11 to 14). The course consists of five 2-hour sessions held weekly at Horizonte Instruction and Training Center. Dinner provided. Also available in Spanish at Midvale Community Building.

A substance use prevention program provided in partnership with the Salt Lake City School District. Students grades 7 through 12 and their parents/caregivers participate in four 2-hour classes exploring the risks of substances, the progression of addiction, and how to make personal changes. Enrollment is by referral.