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SMART Recovery Teen Meetings: Training & Requirements

Do You Offer Teen-Specific Facilitator Training?

No. SMART Recovery does not currently offer a training program designed specifically for teen meetings.

The SMART tools used with adults work equally well with adolescents. We encourage a respectful, empowering approach that allows teens to identify their own goals and make choices that align with their values. Our standard 4-Point model and meeting tools can be adapted effectively for youth populations.

Can Volunteers Host Public Teen Meetings?

Not at this time.

Because regulations for working with individuals under 18 vary widely across all 50 U.S. states, SMART Recovery does not support volunteer-led public teen meetings unless they are hosted by an organization that already has:

  • Established safeguarding and youth protection policies

  • Proper supervision and oversight

  • Required background checks, credentialing, or compliance procedures

  • Infrastructure to ensure the safety and privacy of minors

Organizations such as schools, treatment programs, clinics, and youth-serving nonprofits are best positioned to meet these requirements.

Can I Observe an Existing Teen Meeting?

Most teen meetings that exist today are run within organizations that have strict confidentiality and protection policies for minors. For those reasons, observation by external individuals is generally not permitted.

If you are part of an organization developing a teen offering, we are happy to provide consultation and guidance instead.

Planning a Teen Program? We're Here to Help.

If your organization is considering launching a SMART Recovery teen program, we’d love to talk through the process and support your next steps. Please send a note to support@smartrecovery.org.