Parents to get help detecting teen drug abuse

By BOB GIBBINS
Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS October 02, 2008 10:04 am

— A collaborative effort between three entities will help parents detect substance abuse in their children.
Cherokee County Juvenile Drug Court, Tahlequah Police Department and Tahlequah Public Schools will join forces Monday, Oct. 6, to kick off the program.
“Our mission is to provide parents the power to request a drug assessment completed on their child without repercussions from law enforcement or the school system,” CCJDC Director Cindy Farmer said in a statement Wednesday. “The program will confirm or dispel the parent’s suspicions regarding substance abuse with their child and provide local resources to the child’s parents at the time of testing.”
Parents and children who use the Parent Empowerment Program will only have to give their initials when they obtain assessments.
Police Chief Steve Farmer said the program is a project he’s worked on for two years. Participating agencies will make the goal a reality.
TPD officers will administer the tests at the police department. Farmer said the test site is to better serve as a deterrent for the child. Testing supplies and accountability for the program fees will be provided by the juvenile drug court. A $10 fee will be collected by the person administering the test to help increase the program’s sustainability.
Cindy said children can be tested for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphtetamine, marijuana, opiates, methadone, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, oxycodone, phencyclidine, propoxyphene and alcohol.
The CCJDC has developed a local resource guide that includes substance abuse and behavioral health professionals to give parents the tools needed to appropriately address these issues with their children. The guide, detailed drug information, and test results will be given to the parents.
TPS will be given statistical data gathered through the program to increase the school district’s chances of getting drug-testing grants in the future. The ages of the children, race, gender and drug of choice will be collected to gain the information.
“We are always seeking resources for students and parents to help deter student drug use,” said TPS Assistant Superintendent Billie Jordan in a prepared statement. “We have a strong partnership with Cherokee County Juvenile Drug Court and Police Chief Steve Farmer and are pleased the police department is able to provide this service so parents can address drug use privately.”
Jordan said officials hope parents address substance abuse with their children, now that students can be drug-tested without the school district or law enforcement knowing the results.
“Our goal is not to kick kids out of school, but rather to keep them in school,” Jordan said. “Anytime we can partner with other agencies in the community that also support youth, we are pleased to do that.”

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