What is Youth SMART?

Our groups are welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental, helping participants build practical skills to manage everyday challenges.

Meetings are peer-led and use proven tools drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational techniques.

We focus on safety, inclusion and individual strengths — not labels

Find a Youth SMART Meeting 

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Who is Youth SMART for

For young people (ages 11–24)

  • Join safe, welcoming groups in schools, community services, justice, AOD, and mental health programs
  • Learn practical skills to manage life’s challenges
  • Be supported by peers in a non-judgmental space

For facilitator & organisations

  • Facilitators: Youth SMART is a one-day online extension of SMART training. Learn to adapt tools with age-appropriate language, use creative activities, and apply culturally responsive strategies.

  • Organisations: Bring Youth SMART into your service to strengthen prevention and wellbeing. Benefits include:

  • Early intervention and prevention focus
  • Practical, measurable skills young people can use straight away
  • Fits with wellbeing and duty-of-care frameworks
  • Backed by facilitator resources, PD, and a national support network

How Youth SMART works

Youth SMART uses the SMART 4‑Point approach, adapted for ages 11–24:

  1. Build and maintain motivation

  2. Cope with urges and difficult moments

  3. Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours

  4. Live a balanced life

In a meeting

  • Check in and set the agenda
  • Explore tools and strategies together
  • Wrap up with a simple weekly plan

Our approach

  • Confidential, youth-friendly spaces with clear boundaries
  • Focus on safety, choice and self-management
  • Flexible, culturally responsive practices
Learn more about our other programs
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Tools young people use

Here are some of the core Youth SMART tools you’ll find in groups and in the Youth Toolkit:

• Good Stuff / Not So Good Stuff (GS/NSGS) – weigh up pros and cons
• Use / Urge Log – notice patterns and triggers, plan ahead
• ABC / ABCDE – spot unhelpful thoughts and replace them with helpful ones
• What’s Important? + AOI chart – clarify values and priorities
• Priority Calendar + Weekly Goal Plan – turn intentions into small actions

Explore All Youth Tools

 

Youth Training - Extension Module

$660

 Incl. GST

 
It equips you with tools and strategies tailored to young people’s developmental needs, focusing on motivation, coping, and connection.
 
Learning Outcome includes:

 

  • Prerequisite: Standard SMART Facilitator Training must be completed first.
  • For trained SMART facilitators who want to specialise in working with young people (11-24)
  • This one-day extension builds on core SMART training to help facilitators create safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly groups.

  • Adapt SMART tools using age-appropriate and creative methods, while applying culturally responsive and motivational strategies to enhance participation.


     

Book training now
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Youth Participant Handbook

$55.00

  • Practical tools from the SMART 4-Point Program: motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, and living a balanced life

  • Worksheets, exercises, and strategies designed specifically for young people aged 11–24 

  • Easy-to-use guides for building resilience, goal setting, and decision-making in everyday life

  • A supportive, evidence-based resource to strengthen recovery and wellbeing
Buy now

Get Support

Looking for a group? You can join a SMART meeting in person or online. Many meetings are youth‑friendly (check local listings for details). If you’re unsure which meeting is right for you, our team can help.

Contact us                                                          Find a SMART Meeting                                      Download SMART Recovery resources

FAQs about the SMART Recovery Youth Program

What age range is Youth SMART for?

Young people aged 11–24. Group composition and delivery are tailored locally and nationally.

Do I need parental consent?

No, parental consent is not required to participate in a meeting.

Is Youth SMART a replacement for therapy?

No. It’s a peer‑led, skills‑based program and can sit alongside clinical care where needed.

How do meetings handle safety?

Facilitators follow clear safety and escalation guidelines, including confidentiality, boundaries and referral pathways.

Is a WWCC (Working With Children Check) mandatory to be trained?

A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory to facilitate Youth SMART meetings. Apply here (NSW) - (VIC) - (QLD) - (TAS) - (WA) - (ACT) - (NT)