GRAVES SEEKS TO BRING FEDERAL ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM TO MISSOURI SCHOOLS

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves plans to introduce Missouri schools to Teens in
Prevention, a program that aims to deter teen drug use.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration started the program about
four years ago in El Paso, Texas. It now has chapters in three states,
with three more planned. Graves, a Republican from Liberty, hopes to
make Missouri the seventh state to take part.

The agency establishes chapters at high schools and trains a core
group of students to act as role models for younger children, detect
habitual drug use and form partnerships within their
communities.

Proponents of the program did not discuss liability concerns or
potential risks facing teens who confront peers about drug use.
Instead, they emphasized the need for spreading a constructive
anti-drug message.

"I like the way it uses positive peer pressure," Graves said.
"Students listen to other students more than they do to adults."

Graves spoke about the program Wednesday afternoon to a group of
politicians, educators, program facilitators and law enforcement
officers at Oak Park High School in Gladstone.

Graves said that although no definite plans had been made yet, he was
searching for a high school in the Kansas City area to establish Teens
in Prevention "as soon as possible."

"I'd like to see this at every school in the state," he said. "Schools
are free to contact me anytime."

David Monnett, TIP network coordinator, said the program worked to
unify efforts of existing programs and resources.

Establishing a chapter costs about $5,000, which the Drug Enforcement
Administration provides. After a chapter is up and running, funding
usually is taken up locally, said Finn Selander, an administration
officer based in New Mexico. Selander said chapter members in that
state secure grants and raise other funds to keep the effort going.