F.A.S.T. and Truancy Program

Proven Approach: F.A.S.T. is committed to equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for positive societal engagement. In collaboration with the Miami-Dade County School Board and the Student Success Centers (S.S.C.) Program and Initiative, endorsed by Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, we offer students with behavioral challenges a secure environment for counseling sessions. This space allows students to address their problems while ensuring they stay on track academically and can be marked present at the Student Success Center, fostering a path to success. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, we engage parents in their child's success plan, referring those in need of additional socio-economic support to our We Care department.

Community Building: Our F.A.S.T. Program assist at-risk youth facing chronic truancy. Counseling sessions address underlying issues and focus on topics such as conflict resolution, decision-making, anger management, truancy, drug and alcohol awareness, gang violence, peer pressure, and goal setting.

Day Treatment Exercises: Tailored to address behavioral issues identified by schools or parents, this component includes character-building education.

Individual and Group Counseling: These sessions address underlying issues, encouraging positive peer solutions to daily challenges faced by students in school.

30-, 60-, and 90-Day Follow-Ups: Regular follow-ups at 30-, 60-, and 90-day intervals track progress to ensure students are following the advised path to success.

Students participating in the F.A.S.T. Program typically demonstrate an 85-90 percent reduction in behavioral issues both in school and at home.

Our F.A.S.T. Program operates Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 3 pm, following the Miami-Dade County Public Schools calendar.