By Julie Raino
For many parents, there comes a time when nagging doubts and worries arise about our kid’s involvement with mairjuana, alcohol, tobacco or other drugs; we realize it may be time to take some action toward guiding them toward building a healthier lifestyle. It’s a good time to explore the FACE-IT (Families Acting Collaboratively to Educate and Involve Teens) Program.
FACE-IT is an early intervention and prevention program sponsored by Oak Park & River Forest Townships Youth Services that empowers youth to make healthy, drug-free choices. Topics include:
* Marijuana use
* Underage Drinking
* Limits and Consequences
* Communication
* Anger Management
* Conflict Resolution
* Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Misuse and Abuse
FACE-IT has served over 100 families from our community. For youth who have gotten “caught” using drugs or alcohol, there has been a 96% success rate with only 4% getting “in trouble” again. For this reason, area schools, the youth courts and three neighboring townships are also using this program as an alternative to suspension and consequence for police intervention.
A large part of its success lies in the fact that families attend together and are encouraged to discuss issues that face any family in a safe, confidential and even fun environment.
“I have learned to manage so many things in this course and my family closeness would not be what it is today if it weren’t for FACE-IT,” states one adult. A youth participant adds, “I really believe that this program has helped me as much as my family. Now we all share our thoughts and problems.”
Sessions are free and offered on consecutive Thursdays from 6 – 8 pm. at the Oak Park Township Senior Center at 130 South Oak Park Avenue. For more information or to register, please call Julie Raino or Jen Roth at the Oak Park Township at (708) 445-2727. Click here for a brochure.
