Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG®) Program
An evidence-based program that helps students build coping skills, healthy decision-making, and a vision for their future.
The CBSG® Program brings groups of children and youth ages 4–17 together with a trained, caring adult facilitator. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, kids learn the skills they need to cope with hard things, resist negative pressure, set goals, and believe in their future. Developed by Brighter Days (formerly Rainbow Days) in 1982, CBSG® is the evidence-based foundation of every Brighter Days direct-service program and it’s now delivered in 44+ states and three countries by more than 22,700+ trained facilitators.
Who CBSG® is for?
Children and youth ages 4–17 whose adverse experiences, environments, or behaviors put them at elevated risk; this includes children and youth growing up around poverty, household instability, addiction, mental illness, abuse, or chronic stress. Research is clear that unchecked adverse childhood experiences can disrupt neurodevelopment and lead to lasting physical, mental, emotional, and social problems. CBSG® is designed to interrupt that trajectory.
The five foundations of the CBSG® Program
Every CBSG® group is built around five domains and major messages. By the end of the program, group participants can finish each sentence themselves and act on it.
I AM (Self-Awareness)
Likable, capable, unique and valued
I CAN (Social Awareness & Competence)
Treat others like I want to be treated.
I HAVE (Relationship Skills)
Meaningful relationships and people who care about me.
I WILL (Responsible Decision-Making)
Make healthy, responsible decisions.
I BELIEVE (Sense of Purpose & Future)
In my purpose and future.
Meeting children and youth where they are
How CBSG® Works
Small groups of 6–12 children meet weekly with a trained CBSG® facilitator. Each session blends guided discussion, interactive activities, and skills practice. Group rules and confidentiality create a safe place where kids can be honest about hard things and try out new skills without judgment.
What changes for kids
Independent evaluations show CBSG® participants demonstrate measurable increases in:
- Coping skills and problem-solving
- Healthy, responsible decision-making
- Self-awareness and confidence
- Anti-substance use attitudes and intentions
- Hope for the future
- Academic success and improved classroom behavior
Four CBSG® adaptations
Same evidence-based curriculum, adapted for specific settings.
01
Ages 4 - 12
Kids' Connection
A small group curricula, designed for selected and indicated elementary-aged students in schools and community-based settings.
02
Ages 10 - 17
Youth Connection
A small group curricula, designed for selected and indicated middle and high school students in schools and community-based settings.
03
Ages 4 - 15
Kids' Connection, Too
A small group curricula, designed for selected children who are experiencing homelessness and often residing in shelters or transitional living programs.
04
Grades K - 12
Classroom Connection
A classroom curricula, designed for universal settings, which brings the CBSG® framework into K–12 classrooms with no facilitator training required.
Where CBSG® works
- K–12 schools and after-school programs
- Family, transitional, and domestic violence shelters
- Juvenile justice and probation settings
- Community-based organizations and prevention coalitions
- Faith-based programs and youth ministries
- Recreation centers, summer camps, and apartment-based programs
“This program is giving kids the skills they need to advance in life. Different people can be trained to do it and that makes it awesome, it can reach more kids. If I can just touch one kid’s life and keep them off of drugs and alcohol, then that’s why I am in prevention.”
- Kim Hallom, ACPS Lead Prevention Specialist, Recovery Resource Council
How to get involved.
$350
Train as a facilitator
Become a CBSG® Facilitator
$350 includes a 4 hour virtual training and your choice of one Facilitator Manual. Prescheduled trainings are offered throughout the year and contracted trainings are offered as requested.
$250
Fund the Work
$250 funds a 10- week CBSG Program for a child.
Already trained?
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