ADDICTION SERVICES EXPAND FOR YOUTH

Alouette Addictions Services has wanted to branch out to and be more
of a presence to youth in Pitt Meadows for quite some time. Before,
they were spread to thin and just didn't have a whole lot of programs
to offer in Pitt Meadows, however they're hoping to change all that
now.

When Tracey Banks first took on the role as a youth and family
counselor with the non-profit organization about four years ago, she
had been asked to provide more youth programs in Pitt Meadows.

"On and off we've looked at how we can do that, but we just didn't
have the resources," says Banks.

In March, AAS brought Jennifer Turnbrook into the mix as the
organization's second youth and family counselor.

Now Turnbrook is targeting Pitt Meadows as an area for improvement and
is looking to bring more programs in the city.

While the AAS's school-based prevention programs are currently in
place at all high schools except Thomas Haney, Westview and
Meadowridge, the goal is to provide programs for teens in a safe,
comfortable environment outside of school hours.

There are 11 youth Posse programs in place within Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows, where members of the community receive training from AAS and
are equipped to work with youth who are dealing with alcohol or drug
related issues. There are programs at place in all local high schools
except for Thomas Haney, Westview and Meadowridge, however the AAS is
looking to expand the program into every high school in the district.

Phil Degagn,, is the school-based prevention coordinator for AAS,
who has helped implement the program in schools, however without the
additional staffing it's been difficult for Degagn, to provide a
whole lot of programming for youth in Pitt Meadows.

Part of Turnbrook's job will be to bring more programs directly into
Pitt Meadows. Currently, there are only a couple of Posse groups in
the community, which are run out of Pitt Meadows Secondary.

"We're ready willing and able, we're just looking to see what exactly
the community wants and how to serve them best," says Turnbrook.

The only problem with the Posse groups is that all of them except for
one are offered strictly to females. Because virtually all of the
group leaders are female and the strategy of the program is to have
females working with females and vice versa. It's just that there's
been a shortage of males.

"We just haven't had enough availability or interest in facilitating
from males," says Banks.

The goal with the Posse groups is to get the youth talking things
through and sharing their problems. The more they talk about their
issues, the less likely they'll be to act out in a negative manner or
continue harboring their problems.

And anybody who joins a Posse group does not have to worry about being
lectured.

"It's not about adults telling teens how to live it's about the teens
learning for themselves," says Banks.

There is also a new teen (male and female combined) self assessment
group being offered at the AAS office. The program is for youth aged
13-19 who are questioning their relationship with alcohol or drugs.
The program will run on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and running
on Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Nov. 25.

AAS also offers a parents group for those who are worried about their
children in terms of drugs and alcohol, violence, sexual practices,
school achievement, behaviour, attitude, decision making, etc. The
program runs Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m., from Sept. 13-Dec. 13.

The AAS is also starting up a community-based Posse group for females
between the ages of 13-19. The program will run at the AAS office on
Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m., starting Oct. 27 and ending on Dec. 15.