On Monday, October 3rd, the CdA School Board will vote on implementing the Sources of Strength program for grades K-5. The program is touted as “A best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse.” Implementation was previously considered by a committee which generated many pros and cons, recorded here. Ultimately, the group requested the issue come before the School Board for a final vote. The Board will consider this item at 5 pm on October 3rd at the Midtown Center Meeting Room, 1505 N. 5th Street, Coeur d’Alene.
Conrad Woodall, a local parent with a Master’s in forensic psychology, recently participated on Ed Bejarana’s Idaho Speaks podcast. His daughter Ella accompanied him and shared her experiences with the Sources of Strength program and teen use/abuse of social media platforms. Conrad and Ella oppose the program citing their experience that bullying and harassment have continued, sometimes originating from peer leaders at schools with the Sources of Strength curriculum. The interview in its entirety is here. Conrad Woodall suggests the program will not have the desired impact on teen suicide. He would like to see enhanced training of primary care providers including assessment of suicidality and referral to mental health specialists.