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Youth Voices Count Survey

youthvoicessurvey

The Stamford Public Schools collaborates with the Stamford Prevention Council (SPC) to occasionally survey student perspectives on alcohol, and drug use, as well as mental health issues and other risky behavior. The bi-annual survey was first administered in 2022 in support of local efforts by Stamford Youth Services.  SPC is a local coalition, under Stamford Youth Services, representing schools, youth, parents, law enforcement, youth service providers, substance use and mental health providers. The council is focused on reducing risky behaviors including substance use amongst youth.

During the weeks of May 13-31, 2024, all students in grades 7-12 will be asked to complete a brief 20-minute survey about youth perspectives on alcohol, and drug use, as well as mental health issues and other risky behavior.

The findings of the survey will be used to determine priorities for our community so that new initiatives are responsive to the needs of our youth to reduce and prevent youth substance use. The survey is a biannual requirement of a 5-year Federal Drug Free (DFC) Grant ($125,000/year with an option to renew) that was awarded to the City of Stamford for the SPC in September 2023. The 2022 survey results were instrumental in helping us to get this grant.

Additional information about the survey:

  • The survey will take less than 20 minutes to complete.
  • Students in grades 7-12 will be provided the survey during a time determined by the school principal.
  • The electronic survey will be given through Survey Monkey and is anonymous and voluntary. There is no way 
  • to track a particular survey back to the student who completed it.
  • Students are told that their participation is voluntary and that they can skip items if they so choose. The survey is not a test and there are no consequences if your child chooses not to participate.

If you do not want your child to participate, you must complete the opt-out form HERE by May 9, 2024. If no form is received, your child will be asked to participate in the survey.

The DFC grant provides the necessary funds to develop and implement a community-wide, multi-strategy approach to address youth substance use. Over the 5-year period, this grant will bring a total of $1,250,000 to Stamford.  Presently, Greenwich, Darien, Norwalk, Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport and Trumbull all also recipients of this grant and have used similar survey questions to collect data to accurately measure and develop initiatives to address youth substance use in their communities.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 203-977-5620 or you can email ofce@stamfordct.gov.