[School counselors: from the prevention of drug abuse to a larger role].

Since 1977, a programme has been launched in the Canton of Vaud (pop. 530,000), Switzerland, for the training and use of teachers as mediators in the school setting at various levels, to help tackling problems related to the use of drugs and other risk situations. They follow and in service training (14 afternoons) and are granted, from their working time, about two hours per week to dedicate to this function. Their main role is to be available for reference and empathic listening to children and teacher colleagues, as well as to headmasters, parents, etc. Experience has shown that, in general, mediators are consulted more often for unspecific risk situations, such as difficulties at school and in the family, or "blues". A survey among 51 mediators in function was carried out in 1984 by interviews. It showed a general satisfaction of the ombudsmen with their role. At this time, the student population each deals with is around 600 children. Most of them say they have seen 10 to 20 new cases a year, and follow them up for two weeks to one year usually. Their relationships with various concerned partners are good. They have developed both case work type activities and health educational ones (but there is no systematic drug related information). Some other Swiss cantons and European countries have embarked on similar programs. Such mediators appear to make a useful contribution, complementary to efforts by other interested professionals and institutions.