SUMMIT SEEKS SOLUTIONS TO DRUG ABUSE

DEA Will Help Springfield Devise Plan Based on Local Residents' Suggestions.

With the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield-area
community members hope to reduce drug abuse by addressing social ills
believed to influence addiction.

An estimated 130 people, including law enforcement, school, health-care and
media representatives, discussed possible solutions Tuesday, the conclusion
of a two-day summit at the SMS to introduce a new federal initiative.

The DEA's Integrated Drug Enforcement Assistance program brings together
law enforcement with community coalitions to fight drug problems through
prevention and treatment programs, rather than just focusing on arrests.
"We are already doing many things in this community (to fight illegal
drugs), but this will be a way for us to re-examine what we are doing and
maybe rearrange what we're doing," said Melissa Haddow, executive director
of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

Springfield was chosen as one of five pilot U.S. cities for the IDEA
program after a study of the city and a recommendation from Rep. Roy Blunt,
R-Strafford.

Registered participants will receive surveys on Dec. 10 listing all group
recommendations to be ranked based on importance and feasibility, said
Theresa Kelly, National Crime Prevention Council community outreach section
leader.

When survey results are released next year, DEA will help Springfield
devise a strategic plan.

James Copple, NCPC vice president for public policy and program
development, said federal officials will help guide the process and avoid
duplicating solutions. "This is not just a two-day event. ... This has
legs," he said.

Suggestions offered at the summit include:

. Expand youth programs to keep older children away from drugs. Create a
program to make parents aware of what before- and after-school programs are
available.

. Develop a database of volunteers and civic organizations who assist the
community.

. Provide incentives for students involved in community service.

. Change divorce laws to make it tougher for individuals to dissolve
marriages. Require counseling for couples planning to marry in hopes of
stopping broken homes.

. Create a family-support team to assist families with substance abuse issues.

. Encourage businesses to have flexibility in letting employees attend
their children's school events.

DEA will keep an agent stationed in Springfield to work solely on drug
issues. Officials will seek grants to fund solutions to problems addressed
through the summit.