Parents of St. Thomas-St. John District public school students in grades 6-12 are being asked to return the consent forms for the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Program Manager for the Department’s Prevention, Intervention, Health and Wellness Program Shanell Larsen said, “We have been experiencing a significantly low number of returns of consent forms for student participation in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Consent forms were sent out several weeks ago; however, the forms are either not being returned, or they are being returned without the parent’s signature or without the parent indicating whether the child will participate or not.
“All consent forms for the Youth Risk Behavior Survey are due back at your child’s respective schools no later than Thursday, October 28, 2010,”Larsen said. Parents are remind that the form must be completed with a parent’s or guardian’s signature and indication that the relative student will participate by a check mark placed in the box giving authorized to participate or a check mark in the box indicating that the parent Opted Out (non-participation) indicating that the relative student will not participate.
The survey is designed to provide the Department of Education with critical and valuable information about the behaviors of youth in the territory, and assist in the receipt of federal funding to implement prevention and promotional activities that focus on reducing high-risk youth behaviors. The information gathered will allow the Education to further create territory specific programs that will lead to improved youth choices and the subsequent well-being of all youth in the territory. The survey is 100 percent voluntary and anonymous.
For more information, contact Larsen at 774-0100, ext. 8113.