On-Campus Intervention Program (OCIP^®)

The On-Campus Intervention Program (OCIP^®) offers an alternative to an out-of-school suspension in Pinellas County. Students receive academic guidance and counseling support through individual and group counseling, family contact and aftercare. An assistant principal can refer students to the program if the students are enrolled full-time at one of the middle or high schools served and have committed an offense for which suspension from school would normally be the consequence.

In severe cases that involve charges of criminal behavior, such as battery on a student or adult, possession of a weapon, or drugs or alcohol, the students will not be admitted. Students referred and accepted are admitted on a space availability basis.

Once in the program, students are provided academic support, life skills instruction, and individual and group counseling. The services and activities provided do not replace, but accompany, tasks assigned by regular teachers. Students are expected to complete school work while in the program.

The counseling provided is designed to help the students identify issues underlying their disruptive behavior and find alternatives to that behavior for more positive results. The life skills portion of the program addresses topics such as communications, goal setting, choices, sexuality and dating, gender identity, and other relevant topics.

A 2000 Harvard University report reviews the process of OCIP^® and the impact that the program has on participating schools (see appendix VII). Additional reports were also compiled by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida in 2001 and 2002.

Locations

The On-Campus Intervention Program is currently available at the following schools:

Procedure to Contact/Refer

Students displaying behaviors in the classroom that are determined to be disruptive will be referred to an assistant principal for disciplinary action. The assistant principal contacts the parent/guardian to discuss the behavior and, if appropriate, recommends and elicits permission for service in OCIP^®. Students must have written parental permission. Assistant principals submit referrals the day before, or morning of, the desired start of services. There is no fee for the service.

For additional information, call the OCIP^® office at (727) 518-3320.

Awards

April 2008 - Through the Florida Department of Education, Family Resources was given the Commissioner's Business Recognition Award.

November 2007 - Family Resources was recognized as the Business Partner of the Year in the High School Category by The Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools' Pinellas Free Enterprise Hall of Honor and Business Partner of the Year Awards.

2001 - The Florida Network of Youth & Family Services presented the On-Campus Intervention Program (OCIP^®) its Innovative Program of the Year Award.

2001 - The City of St. Petersburg recognized OCIP^® as Volunteer Organization of the Year.

November 3, 2000 - OCIP^® won a Model Program Award from the Southeastern Network for developing a creative and innovative way to partner with youth and family.