A community-based project led by Kings County Mental Health and Addictions Services, Youth Justice Services and Kings District RCMP will help youth better understand the dangers and consequences of alcohol abuse.
When under-aged youth are found in possession of alcohol, rather than receive a fine of $120, they will be given the choice of participating in the new “120 Program” which will provide education on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and its impact on the communities in which they live.
“Promotion, prevention and education will be the foundation of this program in relation to alcohol and other drug use amongst the youth of the Kings County region of PEI,” said Gail Ross, Addictions and Mental Health Coordinator-East, Department of Health. “This project works towards offering a workable approach to some of the issues that youth face.”
Participants of the program will be required to attend two educational sessions, which will consist of slide show presentations, educational materials and informational facts, group discussion and individual work. The program targets youth 12 to 18 years old and will be offered at Generation XX, Montague Community Youth Center, and Kings County Mental Health and Addictions Services, Souris.
Michael Doiron of Kings County Mental Health and Addictions Services, Department of Health, Sandra Campbell, Youth Intervention Outreach Worker with Youth Justice Services, and Kings District RCMP initiated the project which is based on an existing program offered in Wilkie, Saskatchewan and has been adopted and modified for PEI. It is a one-year pilot project funded by the RCMP Crime Prevention Fund.
“The 120 Program gives youth the chance to better understand the devastating effects that alcohol and other substance abuse can have on their lives and the lives of others,” says Larry Kavanagh, Staff Sergeant Major, Kings District RCMP. “It will also give them the knowledge they need to make more informed decisions and to make the right choice when it comes to alcohol and drug use,” he added. “Programs based on community partnerships such as this one, are the key to fostering positive outcomes for our youth.”
The goals of the program are to see a reduction in the number of youth entering addiction services, a decline in the youth crime rate and a decrease in costs to the social and medical system overall.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Youth Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program
Why is it called the 120 program?
When under-aged youth are found in possession of alcohol, rather than receive a fine of $120, they will be given the choice of participating in the new “120 Program” which will provide education on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and its impact on the communities in which they live.
Michael Doiron of Kings County Mental Health and Addictions Services, Sandra Campbell, Youth Intervention Outreach Worker, Youth Justice Services and Kings District RCMP initiated the project which is based on an existing program offered in Wilkie, Saskatchewan and has been adopted and modified for PEI.
How will the 120 Program work?
Participants of the program will be required to attend two educational sessions, which will consist of slide show presentations, educational materials and informational facts, group discussion and individual work. The program targets youth 12 to 18 years old and will be offered at Generation XX, Montague Community Youth Center, and Kings County Mental Health and Addictions Services, Souris. Michael Doiron and Sandra Campbell will conduct the educational sessions.
Once participants complete the two-evening program, confirmation is shared with the RCMP and the $120 charge is waived. Participants will only have this choice once so if they get caught again after taking the program they are expected to pay the associated fine.
What is the purpose of the 120 Program?
Promotion, prevention and education will be the foundation of this program in relation to alcohol and other drug use amongst youth.
The 120 Program will give youth the chance to better understand the devastating effects that alcohol and other substance abuse can have on their lives and the lives of others. It will also give them the knowledge they need to make more informed decisions and to make the right choice when it comes to alcohol and drug use. Programs based on community partnerships such as this one are key to fostering positive outcomes for our youth.
The goals of the program are to see a reduction in the number of youth entering addiction services, a decline in the youth crime rate and a decrease in costs to the social and medical system overall.
When will the program be launched?
The program will be officially launched January 31, 2007 with an extensive youth friendly advertisement campaign. There will also be parental education sessions available throughout the communities to generate more awareness of the program and to promote the benefits of the program to families on a grass roots level.
How is the program funded?
This one year pilot project in Kings County is funded by the RCMP Crime Prevention Fund.
Is there a plan to expand the program to other areas of PEI?
The RCMP will determine if the program will be expanded depending on the results of the one year pilot in Kings County.