The issue of youth substance use effects all areas of the community. Community members must take their role in youth development seriously and actively engage with others including business, parents, organizations, community groups, youth and especially Forest Hills School District to address this issue. The Anderson Community provides a number of opportunities for community engagement in efforts to decrease substance use and abuse.

Recommendations for activities include:

• Outreach to school personnel to engage in school efforts and educate school personnel about community efforts. Actively participate in the SAGA Coalition to create and implement comprehensive, community-wide strategies to positively impact youth substance abuse rates and consequences.
• Create parent networks to work together with their peers to ensure active participation in their kids' choices and monitoring of their kids’ activities.
• Parents need to talk to their kids about the issue and establish and enforce clear and consistent rules.
• Elevate underage drinking and drug use to a priority for law enforcement.

Help your teen stay safe and make healthy choices by:

• Talking and listening regularly
• Being directly involved in your child’s everyday world
• Making it clear that you do not want him or her drinking or using drugs
• Setting Limits

The Parent Communication Network is a group of parents dedicated towards the goal of encouraging children to enjoy life without the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The PCN is organized to support other parents by adopting guidelines, which are uniform in our community and by setting standards for our pre-teens and teens. Parents who join PCN will be voicing their commitment toward the common goal of keeping our children safe and alcohol/drug free.

For more information contact:
Beth Ladrigan, PCN Coordinator: bladrigan@cinci.rr.com