DRUG PROOF YOUR CHILDREN

WELLAND - Parents were told on Saturday that if they are involved and
communicate with their children, it betters the chances of their
youngsters staying drug free.

How to Drug Proof Your Kids is a community based program that gives
parents and caregivers the tools and strategies to strengthen their
families and more effectively steer their children away from drugs.

Dave Anderson, the involved father co-ordinator at Elisha House and
Carl Matthews, pastoral care, with the Open Arms Mission, were two
facilitators of the new to Welland program.

On Saturday, 10 people attended the How to Drug Proof Your Kids
seminar at city hall.

While some were parents trying to learn how to keep their kids away
from drugs, others were parents with children on drugs looking for
ways to help.

"We had a meeting with Mayor Damian Goulbourne and he knows there is
a need and parents don't know where to go when their kids are
struggling with drugs," said Matthews.

"This is an opportunity for parents to learn."

Among the topics discussed, Matthews said they focused on how bad
drugs are, why youth use drugs, how to educate kids on making good
choices, preventing them from turning to drugs, learning to intervene
and how to deal with a relapse.

While only 10 people participated, Anderson said this is just the beginning.

There is another more in depth program planned for the Elisha House.

There are six one-hour sessions in the program with the first being
held on Oct. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost of the six sessions is $30
which includes a parent's manual and refreshments.

"This session is just the beginning," said Anderson.

Matthews said the most important thing parents are told is that the
more involved they are in their children's lives, the better chances
they have in steering clear of drugs.

While parents can't stop their children, they can at least influence
them and help them have a better future, he said.

For parents with children using drugs, Matthews said it's never too
late to get involved and people can overcome addiction.

"I came out of a drug addiction," said Matthews. "There is always
hope . hope for anyone reaching out. It's never too late."

Anderson said while the facilitators don't have all the answers, they
have seen what drugs can do to people and they have been trained to
offer the program to parents.

For people looking for more information on the program or to
register, contact Elisha House at 905-735-9934.