ALTERNATIVE TO
SUSPENSION
Helping students learn from mistakes — without losing their connection to school.
When a student gets in trouble at school for vaping, alcohol or drug use, suspension may remove them from campus, but it doesn’t address what led to the behavior.
California Youth Services partners with local schools to provide Alternative to Suspension (ATS) programs that turn a disciplinary moment into an opportunity for education, intervention, and support.
A Second Chance Can Change the Direction of a Teen’s Life.
Instead of simply sending a student home, Alternative to Suspension gives students an opportunity to understand what happened, learn from it, and make healthier choices moving forward.
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LEARN
Understand the effects and risks of vaping, alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and other substances.
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REFLECT
Look at the choices, pressures, and circumstances that contributed to what happened.
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CONNECT
Explore how stress, mental health, relationships, and peer pressure can influence choices and behavior.
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MOVE FORWARD
Build healthier coping skills, strengthen decision-making, and create a plan for what comes next.
Education. Accountability. Support.
What Does Alternative to Suspension Look Like?
CYS Alternative to Suspension programs are hosted in partnership with participating schools and provide students with a structured alternative to traditional suspension.
Led by CYS staff, students participate in education, discussion, activities, and reflection designed to help them better understand their choices and what may be influencing their behavior.
Substance Use & Its Impact
Students learn about alcohol, cannabis, nicotine/vaping, and other substances—and how their use can affect health, relationships, school, and everyday life.
Choices & Consequences
Students explore decision-making, personal responsibility, and how today's choices can affect what comes next.
What's Behind the Behavior
Conversations address peer pressure, stress, mental health, coping skills, family dynamics, and other factors that can influence teen behavior.
A Plan for What Comes Next
Students identify healthier choices and strategies for moving forward. When additional support may be helpful, CYS can also connect students and families with other services and resources.
Support Doesn't Have to End With ATS
For some students, Alternative to Suspension provides the education and intervention they need to make a different choice next time. For others, it may uncover challenges that need additional support.
When appropriate, CYS can connect students and families with additional services, including JADE substance-use education, monitored drug testing, and Pathways therapy.
By offering multiple levels of support, CYS can help families take the next step based on what their teen actually needs.
Our Alternative to Suspension Partners
CYS is proud to partner with local school districts to provide Alternative to Suspension programs that give students an opportunity to learn from their choices, receive support, and stay connected to their education.
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HUNTINGTON BEACH UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
New Beginning
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LOS ALAMITOS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Project Intervention
CYS has also provided Alternative to Suspension programs in partnership with Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Tustin Unified School District.
Was Your Teen Suspended or Caught Using Drugs or Alcohol?
You don’t have to wait for a school referral to get support.
While CYS Alternative to Suspension programs are offered through participating schools, parents can contact CYS directly when they are concerned about their teen’s substance use, behavior, or mental health.
Whether your teen was caught vaping, using alcohol or drugs, suspended from school, or you simply feel something isn’t right, CYS offers programs and services designed to help youth and families address concerns early.
Not sure where to start? We can help you find the right next step.
Questions or want to learn more? We’re here to help.