DRF’s School Suspension intervention Programme (SSIP)
The School Suspension Intervention Programme (SSIP) operates as a vital arm of the Dispute Resolution Foundation’s (DRF) ‘Alternate Dispute Resolution’ initiative. It serves to target at-risk youths between the ages of 10-18 who have been suspended from school, are at-risk of suspension and/or in need of an intervention.
The SSIP is a listening, support and training programme for parents and school-based professionals and provides psychosocial intervention to the students for the period of their suspension, not exceeding ten (10) days. The programme operates from Peace and Justice Centres in:
· Spanish Town, St. Catherine
· Flanker, St. James
· Kingston & St. Andrew
· May Pen, Clarendon
The programme offers students an opportunity to serve their suspension in a youth-friendly environment while participating in a 5-day behaviour modification programme with the main goal of developing a culture of peace and unity in Jamaica. By promoting a more peaceful co-existence in schools, the reduction of maladaptive and maladjusted behaviours can be accomplished.
History of the SSIP’s Conception
The programme was developed due to a need identified by educators and those working with youths. These officials recognized the increasing levels of violence in the schools and the subsequent increase in incidences of students being placed on suspensions and/or expulsion. In an effort to address this need, the DRF conceptualized the SSIP and implemented it in partnership with Ministry of Education, Youth & Information (MOEYI) in 2006. UNICEF then provided funding for a two year pilot of the programme in 2008, which allowed the SSIP to extend its borders to serve students from thirty (30) schools in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and St. James.
The programme has been recognised by the World Bank and Commonwealth Secretariat as the best practice for “Keeping Boys out of Risk” and has serviced approximately 85,000 young people since its conception. It has received, and continues to receive, very positive feedback from Principals, Deans of Discipline, Guidance Counsellors, Teachers, Parents as well as Students. Given the exceptional results reaped by the programme, the DRF’s youth arm has continued to expand its reach and now serves over 100 schools in more than 100 communities in Jamaica.
