BARRIERE SCHOOLS PART OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL INTERVENTION PILOT PROGRAM

There is an increase in drug related school suspensions and an overall
rise in student substance use and misuse; in consideration of this
growing problem, a new approach to counteract it has been developed.

Barriere Secondary School and Barriere Elementary School have been
chosen along with two Kamloops schools for a Drug and Alcohol
Prevention/Intervention Pilot Program.

Coordinator for this program is Angela Lawrence, who was appointed by
the School Board in Nov. 2003.

Over the past year, Lawrence has made contact with all schools in the
District, met with First Nations representatives, had parent contact
and has worked with students in regard to developing the pilot program.

Concerns have been raised that in the past not enough emphasis was
placed on the area of detection and enforcement.

In this regard the "Three Pillar Approach" will address that
situation. The three pillars include education and prevention,
intervention and treatment, and detection and enforcement.

The aim of the pilot program is to establish a well educated school
community of students, staff and parents, who will work in partnership
with other agencies with the goal of an overall reduction of drug use
and its debilitating effects on youth and society.

A Student Assistance Program (SAP) will also be established in
combination with the pilot program to further facilitate supporting
students who need help.

The SAP program consists of both school-based and community based
child/youth professionals.

The program is intended to identify students at risk and to activate
support for the young person and his /her family before things get out
of hand.

This method aspires to be preventative rather than reactive, and be a
support to students and their families in crisis.

Coordinator Lawrence says, "I am grateful schools have taken a strong
interest in this program, and that in time we can train staff and work
with kids to make a difference."

Officials have also noted that it has become apparent from increasing
knowledge about the risk taking behaviour of some students, that
increased support is needed from the R.C.M.P.

The school board has approved the placement of one R.C.M.P. member to
be dedicated to the policing needs of the school district.

The position will support more than the Intervention and Detection
pillar, it will also be a benefit to school projects such as
anti-bullying, and anti-violence initiatives that are already in place.

R.C.M.P. Constable Connie Buckle is the School Liaison for School
District 73 and is stationed with the R.C.M.P. City Detachment. Cst.
Buckle has already been visible in Barriere schools.

When asked how she plans to divide her time between the different
schools Cst. Buckle said, "I suppose I will be very busy."