How to Start a Drug Prevention Service in Schools
Since the government implemented the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986, the delivery of drug prevention programs to school-aged youth has greatly expanded, and, according to the Department of Education, substance abuse among adolescents is declining, although the number of young people engaged in substance use is still unacceptably high. The Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools provides financial assistance for drug and violence prevention activities in schools, and there is plenty of assistance available from experienced government agencies and non-profit organizations to facilitate prevention programs.
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Instructions
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Join the school's parent-teacher association (PTA) and familiarize yourself with existing drug prevention programs and services. If the school does not have any programs, there may be a reason, and you should find out what it is. Discuss ideas with parents and staff to get their opinions and gauge the need for such a program. Your perception of local needs may differ from actuality.
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Research best practices in drug prevention programs from throughout the nation. Find out what other schools in the region offer in terms of programs and how successful they are. There may be a specific program worth replicating.
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Visit local police and social service departments and find out their opinions on local substance abuse issues among young people in the area. Ask if staff would be prepared to accompany you to a meeting at the school to discuss your plans further on the basis of your findings, if they support the need for a prevention program.
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Meet with local chapters of non-profit organizations, such as Narconon, that offer substance abuse prevention programs to schools. They may be able to provide valuable information and statistics about the prevalence of substance abuse in your area that will substantiate the need for a program at your school. They may also be able to facilitate the program itself, using experts from their organization as providers.
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Prepare a comprehensive report documenting statistics related to abuse problems in your local area and recommendations for a suitable program. Present your report to the PTA, and they may agree to at least a pilot program in the school. Once you have gained acceptance of your proposal, you can meet with staff, school counselors, and other stakeholders to plan logistics.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared for your ideas to meet opposition from some parents and possibly school officials. It can be difficult for some to accept that substance abuse problems exist in their vicinity and affect their children.
References
Resources
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