ECHO (Every Choice Has Opportunity) is a decision-making curriculum grounded in cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) principles designed to help young people ages 13-21 develop skills to make thoughtful decisions in challenging situations, manage emotions effectively, build healthy relationships, stay safe from violence, and engage positively in school and community. 

The program was developed by the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab in partnership with twelve community-based organizations and a Youth Advisory Council of young people. 

ECHO teaches 20 core life skills through interactive group sessions or one-on-one conversations. These skills help young people understand and express their emotions, practice mindfulness and self-regulation, resolve conflicts peacefully, think through consequences before acting, build supportive relationships, and set and achieve personal goals. 

ECHO can be delivered in three different ways: 

• Closed Group Sessions – Weekly meetings with the same group of 6-10 young people over 12-20 weeks. This format builds strong relationships and allows for deep skill development. 
• Drop-In Sessions – Open sessions that young people can attend as needed. Each session focuses on a specific skill and doesn’t require previous attendance. 
• Quick Connects – Brief 5-minute skill-building conversations that happen naturally during other program activities or meetings. 

No. ECHO uses cognitive behavioral techniques similar to therapy, but it’s designed as a decision-making skill-building program. Facilitators may or may not be licensed clinicians. 

Facilitators may include licensed counselors or therapists, youth outreach workers, case managers, or other trained program staff. 

Consistent attendance is encouraged, but occasional absences are okay. For drop-in models, a participant can join whenever they’re able. 

This depends on the delivery model. Closed groups run 12-20 weeks. Drop-in sessions and quick connects are more flexible and ongoing. 

Facilitators are expected to work to create safe spaces and establish “group commitments” that include treating everyone with respect, maintaining confidentiality, being honest, open, and transparent, speaking from personal experience, and staying present and engaged. ECHO encourages facilitators and participants to keep information shared during ECHO sessions confidential, except when a participant plans to harm themselves or someone else, there are signs of abuse or neglect, or the participant gives permission to share information. 

Facilitators help young people prepare for ending the program by reinforcing progress, discussing how to use skills moving forward, and providing appropriate closure.

If a participant needs additional support beyond ECHO, they can ask their facilitator about mental health counseling referrals, educational resources, community support services, or crisis intervention services. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) - An approach that helps people change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors 
• Trauma-Informed Care - A way of working with young people that recognizes past difficult experiences and avoids re-traumatizing 
• Mandated Reporter - Someone legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect