When a student opens up about substance use, educators are often caught off guard—unsure of what to say, how to respond, or where the boundaries lie. This session is designed to reduce that uncertainty and equip educators with practical, confidence-building tools for real-world situations.Participants will learn what to say (and what to avoid) in these critical moments, while gaining clarity on legal and ethical responsibilities within the school setting. The session emphasizes trauma-informed responses that prioritize student trust and safety, helping educators navigate sensitive conversations without unintentionally shutting students down.In addition, attendees will explore effective strategies for connecting students to appropriate support resources in a way that feels supportive rather than punitive. Each participant will leave with a simple, ready-to-use response script they can rely on when these challenging situations arise.
