Prevention
NATURAL HELPERS OF MAINE
Started in 1985, the Natural Helpers program is rooted in the natural network of ‘teens helping teens’ that exists in every school. When recognized and effectively utilized, this network can play a primary role in the school’s overall prevention and helping systems addressing substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors. This helps to create an environment of respect and personal responsibility within the school community and strengthens the educational environment. By providing these Natural Helpers with training in listening, communication and referral skills, as well as guidance and support for appropriate limit-setting in their own activities, this network is strengthened and often drawn into partnership with the helping professionals in the school.
“It is a great program. Being a new student, Natural Helpers made me feel welcome at my new school.”
How it Works:
National research has demonstrated that peer programs are among the most effective prevention programs that can be implemented, and that the best way to assist teens in developing positive behaviors is to ask other teens to provide that assistance. Simply put, teens will often talk to teens before they talk to adults.
At the beginning of the school year, students in each participating school nominate peers to be Natural Helpers. They are asked to name someone whom they would feel comfortable going to with a personal problem or issue of concern. These are peers who have a natural ability to listen, empathize, and be supportive. Those nominated to be Natural Helpers attend a two-day Fall Retreat, where they learn critical listening skills and how to identify and deal with Red Flag issues. These issues include substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide, harm to self or others, and abuse. Natural Helpers are also trained to know what resources are available in their school community, so that they can refer their peers to the appropriate people who can give professional support.
The Natural Helpers of Maine is tailored to best meet the needs of each participating school. Initially, 10 students and 2 adult facilitators attend the two-day Fall Retreat. The program also offers regular meetings with Adult Facilitators and Student Coordinators and additional, one-on-one trainings/workshops with individual schools. Schools also get the benefit of access to a skilled and knowledgeable staff at Day One who have extensive backgrounds in Prevention. Later in the school year, students and adult facilitators continue to expand their communication skills during the Spring Conference.
Where it is:
The Natural Helpers program serves students in nearly 20 High Schools across Maine. The program serves students in Aroostook, Cumberland, York, and Oxford Counties. There are Natural Helpers of Maine programs in the following high schools: Bonny Eagle, Casco Bay, Cape Elizabeth, Deering, Falmouth, Freeport, Fort Kent, Greely, Lake Region, Marshwood, Massabesic, Noble, Old Orchard Beach, Poland, Scarborough, and Westbrook.
How do you get it in your school?
For more information about the Natural Helpers of Maine program, contact Chris Corson, Prevention Coordinator at 207.699.5605 or chrisc@day-one.org.
EMPOWERING YOUTH: A Middle School Prevention & Leadership Program
Started in 1996 at middle schools in South Portland, Day One’s Empowering Youth Program combines social and critical thinking skills as an effective way to improve students’ abilities, attitudes and behaviors to deter substance abuse and other kinds of delinquent behaviors. Empowering Youth works to enhance students’ connection to school and helps to make the school a friendly, fun place for all students.
How it Works:
20 students are selected from each school with the help of school administration and staff. Selected students are invited to attend a day-long training at the end of the summer, in preparation for the school year. The training consists of team building games, bonding, listening skills and leadership skills. Students also participate in an “action planning” session, where they brainstorm activities that will impact the school climate.
In the fall, they greet incoming 6th graders to the middle school. They introduce themselves and become a friendly face to new students, show them around the school and inform them of the routine when school begins. Empowering Youth Students are encouraged to befriend students who appear to be uncomfortable and to stay in contact with them throughout the school year.
In addition, student leaders and their adult facilitators meet, plan & conduct awareness events for students and staff. For example, last year the middle school youth hosted a “Stress Buster” table, where students could learn some easy skills to deal with pre-exam anxieties. The students and their facilitators also meet with community leaders to initiate discussion and activities about underage drinking and to help produce local policies to address underage drinking.
Where it is:
The Empowering Youth program is active in Mahoney and Memorial Middle Schools in South Portland.How do you get it in your school?
Day One is available to assist schools in implementing an Empowering Youth Program in your community. Please contact Chris Corson, Prevention Coordinator at 207.699.5605 or chrisc@day-one.org.
MAINELY PARENTS
Started in 1993, Mainely Parents is a statewide grassroots prevention program providing parent support, education and advocacy. Our program’s success is based on empowering parents to take charge of their lives to achieve happier, healthier family relationships.
How it Works:
Mainely Parents has a long history of empowering and supporting parents. We provide:
- Circle of ParentsŪ self-help support groups & parent education.
- Toll free “Parent Talkline” for parents to call when they are stressed out or about to lose control with their child or teen. The Talkline is available Monday-Friday, 9-5 by calling 1-800-249-5506.
- The Maine Parent Express, a quarterly on-line newsletter offering parenting tips and important news parents should know.
- On-line parent education offering parents help as they struggle through the parenting years. This on-line course can be done at their own pace and in the privacy of their own home.
Where it is:
Throughout the State of Maine
How do you access the services?
- The Parent Talkline is available to all Maine parents, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. by calling 1-800-249-5506. If you receive an answering message, we will return your call as soon as possible.
- Maine Parent Express is available on the Mainely Parents web site. Go to www.mainelyparents.org and click on Newsletter.
- On-line Education is available at www.mainelyparents.org. Our current course offering is Navigating the Teen Years.
- Circle of ParentsŪ Support Groups are currently offered to parents of adolescents involved with Drug Parent Education and supported through two collaborators in Hancock and Sagadahoc Counties.
For more information on Mainely Parents, contact Amanda Lonsdale, Prevention & Intervention Coordinator at 207.512.8922 or amandal@day-one.org
SCHOOL POLICY
Day One has been providing education, training and outreach services by partnering with schools and their communities for over 30 years to bring increased awareness about the effect of adolescent substance abuse. Day One provides assistance to schools on developing substance abuse policy and appropriate curricula.
How It Works:
School resources include:
- Testimonials by recovering teens - Graduates from Day One treatment programs share their experience and their recovering lifestyle.
- Day One’s Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Schools (click here pdf).
Where it is:
Throughout the State of Maine
How do you get it in your school?
For more information, contact Chris Corson, Prevention & Intervention Coordinator at 207.699.5605 or chrisc@day-one.org.
WARNING SIGNS FOR PARENTS
Day One has been a beacon of hope, healing and recovery to generations of young people as they navigate adolescence. As parents navigate that territory with their adolescent, Day One is there to help. There are many reasons why an adolescent might use drugs, including: to ease their pain, relieve boredom, feel good, take risks, satisfy their curiosity, feel grown-up, or to belong to a specific group.
Signs & Symptoms:
How can you tell if your teen is using drugs and alcohol? Look for physical changes and changes in behavior.
Physical Changes: Loss of appetite (but with a craving for sweets, call the ’munchies’), sudden loss of weight, change in sleep patterns, extreme moodiness, reddened or watery eyes, dilated or pin-point pupils, occasional memory loss, slurred and slow speech, lack of energy, disturbed sleep patterns, chronic coughing and poor coordination including staggering or stumbling movements.
Behavior Changes: Change in school work, lack of commitment, skipping school, loss of interest and deterioration in quality of school work, drop in grades, change in friends, reluctance to introduce new friends, loss of enthusiasm, withdrawal from hobbies and sports, loss of interest in past activities/sports, becoming silent/withdrawn, staying away from home and/or school for unexplained periods, irritability and over-reaction to criticism, unusual request for money, devious and manipulative behavior, lack of pride in personal appearance, frequent unexplained phone calls and loss of concentration.
What Parents Can Do:
There are many things that parents can do to help keep their teens off drugs and alcohol, including:
- Talk to your kids
- Know who their friends are
- Teach your teens how to have fun without drinking or drugging
- Regularly help them with their homework
- Encourage your teen to seek your help on important decisions
- Eat dinner together as a family whenever possible
- Set limits
- Know where your kids are and what they are doing
- Be aware of dangerous household items and how much is in the bottle: whipped cream and aerosol cans, nail polish remover, hair spray, paint spray, cough medicine, correction fluid, gasoline, prescription drugs/medication, glue, cleaning fluids
Who to call for help:
If you suspect your teen is using drugs or alcohol, contact Amanda Lonsdale, Prevention & Intervention Coordinator, or Kris Stagg, Administrative Specialist, at the Maine Juvenile Treatment Network. Amanda can be reached at 1.800.269.0016 or amandal@day-one.org. Kris can be reached at 1.800.269.0016 or kriss@day-one.org.