A middle school counselor receives requests for a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program. What should be the counselor's best initial response?

The best initial response for a middle school counselor receiving requests for a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program is to conduct a needs assessment. This approach allows the counselor to gather and analyze data regarding the specific needs of the students and the community concerning substance abuse.

By conducting a needs assessment, the counselor can determine the scope of the problem, identify target populations within the school, and understand what types of prevention strategies may be most effective. This data-driven approach ensures that any subsequent programs or initiatives are tailored to the actual needs of students, rather than being based on assumptions or generalizations.

In contrast, implementing a school-wide initiative immediately may overlook critical local factors and may not address the specific context or challenges faced by students. Establishing a task force can be beneficial, but it should ideally occur after a needs assessment has shaped the discussions and framework. Developing a budget is a necessary step, but without first understanding what the program needs to achieve and who it should serve, allocating resources can be inefficient and misdirected. Thus, starting with a needs assessment lays a solid foundation for any future actions regarding substance abuse prevention.