The Changes School-Based Prevention and Early Intervention program provides direct, early intervention services for youth identified as low to medium risk in School District 23 middle-schools. The program’s aim is to enhance protective and resiliency factors while reducing risk factors that contribute to substance misuse for referred youth. Services include individual and group counselling as well as through community education. There is a focus on reducing problematic substance use and related absenteeism from school, and counselling to improve peer and family functioning and prevent the further development of substance use and mental health concerns. The Changes prevention counsellor also helps to build capacity within school staff to use a prevention and education approach to substance use issues.