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Grant gives boost to youth supports and prevention

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Citizen Advocates was recently awarded a $100,000 grant to implement “Triple P: Positive Parenting Program” from The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

This innovative program is part of the state’s broader initiative to combat the opioid epidemic.

Citizen Advocates’ established Prevention Program was chosen for this unique opportunity as one of only nine other prevention programs around the state.

The Prevention Team at Citizen Advocates promotes awareness, resources and education related to youth mental health and addiction at schools throughout Franklin County.

Members of the Citizen Advocates Prevention Team meet via online to discuss plans for the “Triple P: Positive Parenting Program.” Team members include Mary White, Brenda Collette, Lisa Lawrence-Boyer, Cara Mathers, Teri Marlowe, Kaleigh Thomas and Tracy Gravell.

The youth prevention and education specialists on the team use a mix of evidenced-based programs and activities that foster positive youth development.

“The Citizen Advocates’ Prevention Team is excited to offer an evidence-based program to Franklin County and the surrounding area,” said Kary Johnson, Vice President of Integrated Services.  “It is such a wonderful opportunity to bring additional services to families. In our work, we recognize that families, through strong partnerships with caregivers and community stakeholders, have the strongest influence on children for whom we all strive so tirelessly to educate and support.”

This internationally acclaimed program will assist the Citizen Advocates Prevention Team, embedded in Franklin County schools since 1986, to provide additional invaluable tools to families.

The program is designed to assist families in developing strong, healthy relationships, which is even more important in the current environment.  The education and resources provided through the program comes in the form of group and individual sessions facilitated by highly trained professionals at Citizen Advocates.

The evidence-based Triple P program has been shown to reduce risky behaviors among youth, such as substance abuse and criminal behavior by encouraging positive social behavior and emotional wellbeing. The program has also demonstrated success in reducing parental depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflict, and increasing positive family interactions.

A significant portion of this program will be focused around creating collaboration among key stakeholders such as educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement and youth organizations in the Franklin County and surrounding communities. The program is also designed to provide additional capacity for many non-traditional partnerships intended to assist the caregivers in our community, especially those impacted by the opioid crisis.