Sixth Grader Raises Red Flags for Innovative Drug Abuse Prevention Program
The Challenge
When Jay came to Kelly Middle School to register for the 6th grade at the start of the school year, Prevention and Recovery Northwest's Student Assistance Program staff took notice because Jay was accompanied by his brother, a freshman in high school, and no adult. Our counselor discovered that Jay had suffered physical abuse at the hand of his father, and that his mother had recently undergone rehabilitation for methamphetamine abuse. Jay had been a “meth baby," had been hospitalized at age four with failure to thrive, and was nearly expelled in the 5th grade after threatening another student with scissors. Jay continued to exhibit a serious anger problem in 6th grade.
The Solution
The Student Assistance Program provides participants an ongoing relationship (often 2 to 3 years) with a caring adult. Most students enrolled in our program are not in a position to benefit from typical school programs. They need a more intensive approach if school dropout, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, problem gambling, and juvenile delinquency are to be reduced. Jay’s teachers began referring him to our Student Assistance Program counselor due to his disruptions in class. Our Student Assistance Program counselor provided Jay with anger management sessions; Jay's mom became involved, and he was placed in the Special Education program in his school.
The Outcome
Jay is now doing very well with the additional support he receives and is a much happier, more successful student. Our Student Assistance Program counselor is confident that Jay’s grades in the upcoming term will be the best that he has received since the 4th grade. In 2005 our counselors served 661 students and their families. As a result of their help students experienced a 44% improvement in their GPA, a 38.4% improvement in attendance, and 69.5% stabilization or reduction in their disciplinary referrals.
The Organization
Prevention and Recovery Northwest has been a 501(c) (3) non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment provider in Lane County since 1978. The Adult Program of PARNW provides treatment and rehabilitation services for adult clients with substance abuse problems. We pioneered the Student Assistance Program in 1983. Over the years, we have served more than 6,000 teens and families.
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