JUVENILES PROVIDED DRUG ABSTINENCE HELP

The Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Education Program was established in October
1998, for the purpose of providing drug abstinence support to identified
juveniles through the use of educational tools and other support mechanisms.

It was designed to attack the growing problem of alcohol and drug use and
abuse among our children. Lisa Wiley, Youth Services officer for the
Bradley County Juvenile Division, directs the program.

The concept of the JADE Program was initially presented to Dewayne
Schriver, director of the Cleveland City School's Drug-Free Program. With
his encouragement, an application for funding was submitted by Bradley
County to the state of Tennessee Drug-Free and Safe Schools Program. A
three-year grant was awarded in 1999 to serve both the city and county
school systems. Local schools benefiting from the program include the Teen
Learning Center, the Horizon School and the X-CEL Academy.

During the past school year, the JADE Program served approximately 162
youth. Upon completing the program, these students showed improvements in
school attendance, behavior and grade point average.

The JADE Program is a collaborative effort among several local agencies and
provides its participants with basic alcohol and drug education. It is
designed to enhance the resiliency skills these youth need in order to
bounce back after an identified set back. The 12-week program meets once a
week. Intensive efforts are made to educate not only the child but the
parents as well. Parenting classes are offered and are facilitated by Linda
Wells, a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

There are several components to the JADE Program. Initially, each child is
given an alcohol and drug evaluation. From this evaluation, problems are
identified and recommendations are made for treatment. Random drug screens
are performed to ensure compliance. Test results are shared with the
parents. If a child fails a drug screen, additional services are employed
and a mentor may be assigned to work with the child and their family.

The JADE Program has proven to be a necessary and an invaluable service to
our community. Wiley is currently looking for committed adults to serve as
mentors. If you are interested in being a mentor or if you have questions
about the program, you may contact her at 476-0522.