[YSPNetwork] New Tool from LivingWorks

[Jill Hollingsworth]

Hi,

I want to pass along some additional information about safeTALK.

Donna mentioned that safeTALK is "very scripted." I prefer the word, 
"standardized." Like ASIST, safeTALK is a standardized program. Programs 
are standardized in order to increase fidelity across trainers and 
across training instances. Fidelity of presentation reassures funders 
that the same messages are being offered everywhere.  Among other 
things, this consistency means that persons trained by different 
trainers at different times can communicate  effectively. Fidelity of 
presentation is also a pre-requisite for effectiveness testing: without 
fidelity, nothing exists that is consistent enough to test.

Standardization does not mean that there isn't room for the trainer's 
style and personality. Nor does is mean that there aren't any optional 
activities and/or optional ways of doing things to meet participants' 
needs.  A well developed program has these options built-in and comes 
complete with guidance on when to use them.

Thanks for the inquiries about the program. I look forward to training 
safeTALK!

Jill

-- 
Jill Hollingsworth, MA
Program Coordinator
Prevention Specialist
Looking Glass Youth and Family Services
541.607-7322 voice
541.607-0625 fax