PILOT PROJECT TACKLES ROOT CAUSES OF DRUG USE AMONG CHILLIWACK YOUTH

Chilliwack has become a test site for a new drug prevention program
aimed directly at parents of school-age kids, said RCMP Const. Donna
Collins.

Kids and Drugs will roll out over four evening sessions at the Hocking
YMCA, starting Wednesday.

"We tend to respond to things so reactively in life," Const. Collins
explained. "Sometimes we wait for a problem to present itself and then
we take action. By contrast this program tries to tackle the problem
of drugs before it starts."

Chilliwack is one of six pilot sites across Canada chosen to deliver
the new program, Kids and Drugs.

It focuses on the root causes of drug addiction and risky behaviour,
and the role parents can play in prevention and "asset-building," she
said.

The two-hour sessions will offer "a non-judgmental and inclusive
atmosphere" for parents, or anyone who works with kids aged 7 to 15.

"This is what parents need," Collins said. "There are parents who span
the entire spectrum, but for those who think they are already doing
all the right things, it offers a kick in the butt.

"For parents who are struggling, it allows them to say, 'I can do
this, too' and there really is something in it for everybody. We want
people from every background and every situation to feel
comfortable."

The pilot project tackles the all-important causes of drug addiction,
and looks at the pivotal role that parents play. The first session on
Feb. 13 will explore The Power of Parents, as role models with the
ability to positively influence their children's lives.

"It's important because none of us are immune to the problems that
drugs create for our kids," she said. Both high- and low-risk
communities are equally affected."

Collins recently spent two days in Edmonton training to deliver the
program, which was developed by RCMP and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission. Collins will present the sessions with
co-facilitator Jackie Ayer.

The second session on Feb. 20 will "set the stage" for parents to talk
to their kids meaningfully about alcohol and drugs.

"It's about how to open the discussion and how to respond in a
positive, helpful way," she said.

Subsequent sessions focus on good decision-making, self-esteem and
independence through boundaries, as well as some of the facts parents
need to know about street drugs and how to recognize the signs of abuse.

"At the end of each session, they'll build on their own personal
action plans," Collins said.

Chilliwack may have been selected as a pilot project site in part
because of the solid community backing the project has garnered, she
said.

"Because of the strong support we got from city and community
officials, we were able to show how the community could really embrace
and support this program," Collins said. "We want it to eventually
become a community program."

Mayor Clint Hames sent a letter to Ottawa support the idea of
Chilliwack becoming one of the few pilot sites for the program.

"This pilot project would undoubtedly be a continuation of the hard
work already undertaken by our community, and we are encouraged to see
that the government is contributing resources to counter drug use at
the base," he wrote.

"I cannot think of a better way to learn about preventative measures
and foster parental awareness than through a specifically designed
program."

Drugs and Kids runs Feb. 13, 20, 27 and March 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
at the Y on Hocking Avenue. Child care available for a small fee. Call
604-702-4014 to register.