CBSG® Program

The Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG) Program is a unique, multi-cultural, evidence-based preventive intervention for selective and indicated populations. The program is designed for children and youth, ages 4-17, whose high-risk situations, attitudes and behaviors place them at elevated risk for future behavioral and health problems including substance abuse, delinquency and violence.

The support group modality sets the CBSG Program apart from other preventive interventions. Children and youth meet in confidential, small group settings and are taught a set of essential life skills to help them learn how to: cope with difficult family situations, resist negative peer pressure, respect others, set and achieve goals, make healthy choices, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

The CBSG Program is curriculum-based and has been recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).   Empirical studies show that the CBSG Program reduces anti-social attitudes and rebellious behavior, increases anti-drug-use attitudes and intentions, reduces early substance use/experimentation and increases coping and social skills.

The original CBSG Program was developed in 1982 for use in schools and community-based settings. To accommodate grant and contract requirements, age groupings for schools and community based settings are available in separate volumes:

• Kids’ Connection – CBSG Program for Schools & Community Based Settings – Ages 4-12
• Youth Connection – CBSG Program for Schools & Community Based Settings – Ages 10-17

The CBSG Program curriculum has since been adapted to meet specific needs of certain populations:

• Kids’ Connection, Too – CBSG Program for Homeless Shelters, Group Homes, & Transitional Settings – Ages 4-15
• Faith Connection – CBSG Program for Christian Faith-Based Settings – Ages 4-15

To replicate the CBSG Program, you must be trained as a facilitator. Rainbow Days provides CBSG Program Facilitator Training throughout Texas and the nation. Please visit the Rainbow Days Training website for details concerning training fees, schedules, etc.

For general information on the Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG) Program, click below:
Curriculum-Based Support Groups (CBSG) Program: Target Group in Relationship to Different Prevention System Definitions

For details, click below to read the CBSG Program Scope and Sequence for use in:

• Schools & Community Based Settings – Ages 4-17
• Christian Faith Based Settings – Ages 4-15
• Shelters, Group Homes & Transitional Settings – Ages 4-15

Research & Evaluation

View the CBSG Program independent review conducted by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs & Practices (NREPP):
NREPP Review of CBSG Program (downloadable PDF)

Click below for information on CBSG Program Research and Evaluation:

• CBSG Evaluation Summary – 2021
• CBSG Logic Model
• UNT/Nejtek, V. – Effectiveness of the CBSG to Help Mitigate ACEs
• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
• CBSG Program – 2003 Control Group Study- Final Report
• Texas Department of State Health Services – Statewide Evaluation – CBSG Program

Click below for additional research articles:
Report by John J. Hedl, PhD – Inhalant Abuse: Deadly, on the Rise Again, Linked to Delinquency and Violence, and Preventable