SOS Adolescent Programming

Rewriting the Story for New Hampshire’s Youth

Imagine a family in Strafford or Carroll County. They have a teenager who is struggling, perhaps engaging in risky behaviors, facing substance use challenges, or withdrawing into a world of unmet needs. For many of these families, the path forward feels like a one-way track toward the juvenile justice system, the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), or a cycle of punitive responses that treat a child’s struggle as "willful noncompliance."

At SOS, we know this story all too well because we are an organization led by people with lived experience. Many of our staff and participants grew up in the very systems that failed to recognize their behaviors as symptoms of unmet needs. We understand the fear a parent feels when they realize that most local resources stop at age 10, leaving families of adolescents to navigate a complex, often hostile, system alone.

We are here to change that narrative. 

With your support, SOS is launching a "first of its kind" initiative: the Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) program. This isn't just another parenting class; it is a proven, evidence-informed framework developed by Dr. Ross Greene and adapted specifically for our peer led, recovery-oriented setting.

Why CPS? Why Now? Adolescents in our region are engaging in risk behaviors at rates higher than the state average (NH Youth Risk Behavior Survey). When these behaviors escalate, families often encounter punishment rather than the holistic support they need to fix the root of the issue. Our mission is to intervene before the crisis, to provide a "low-barrier" alternative that keeps youth out of the carceral system.

How It Works:

The CPS model is built on a revolutionary idea: "Kids do well if they can." By stripping away shame-based "behavior modification" and replacing it with collaborative problem-solving, we empower caregivers and youth to:

• Identify unmet needs and the lagging skills behind challenging behaviors,
• Build resilience through proactive communication rather than reactive discipline,
• Prevent system involvement by strengthening the family unit before justice or state agencies are required to step in.

Your Impact: 

Your donation is an investment in prevention. By supporting this program, you are helping us:

• Certify facilitators to lead recurring 8-week CPS courses for local families
• Provide direct peer support and home visiting for families navigating substance use and behavioral health challenges
• Scale a model that can be used by other organizations and agencies across New Hampshire, creating a sustainable, coordinated safety net for our youth

SOS is a trusted pillar of the Seacoast region, already managing successful recovery centers, mobile outreach, and the Carroll County Juvenile Diversion Program. We also have a formal partnership with Dr. Ross Greene himself to ensure that our curriculum is delivered with the highest fidelity and impact.

We have seen the harm caused when systems respond to a child’s cry for help with a pair of handcuffs or a court date. We are choosing a different path: one rooted in empathy, collaboration, and skill building. 

Join us in creating a community where every youth has the chance to thrive, and every family has the tools to work together. Together, we can prevent further systems involvement and build a future defined by wellness and recovery.