Troubled Teens Resources

Teen crisis intervention begins at home. It begins with committed and aware parents willing to be “proactive instead of reactive” in their teenagers’ lives. It is becoming clear that too many parents either give tacit consent to their teen’s drug or alcohol experimentation, or simply take too few measures to monitor their teen’s activities.

Unfortunately, it is often too late when responsible parents discover that their teen’s friends are parented by irresponsible parents.

A new program for troubled teens designed to unite the efforts of committed parents is being launched in a small community in Maine. Teens at risk are, unfortunately, being regarded as “at risk” at younger and younger ages.

“The community has to do a better job of reaching these kids when they’re young. That’s why Phipps is rolling out a new program called SafeHomes, designed to begin the drug and alcohol conversation between middle school students and their parents.

Parents sign the SafeHomes pledge, agreeing that they will not permit their child to hold underage drinking parties nor will they provide alcohol to minors. In addition, they agree that their name, phone number and address can be printed in a community directory of safe homes — hence the program’s name. If anyone in the SafeHomes community sees your child drinking or holding such a party, they agree to give you a call and let you know. You’re expected to do the same.
[…]
She said the new program gives parents an opportunity to “set guidelines and expectations early on. It allows parents to be proactive instead of reactive.”

(source)