One the best ways to prevent substance use and abuse by children is to educate and empower parents. That is the thinking behind a new program that will be rolled out in Camrose this February.

"Kids and Drugs: A Parent's Guide to Prevention" is the Alberta adaptation of a national program developed cooperatively by the RCMP and AADAC.

"The program is not so much concerned about the drugs that are out there; it is about building relations between parents and kids and building parents' strengths," explains Jan Turnbull, a Success Mentor at Charlie Killam School and member of the Camrose Alcohol and Drug Task Force which is bringing the program to Camrose.

[continues 605 words]

The following is part of a series of articles The Camrose Booster will publish in the coming months recognizing some of the history of the Camrose Police Service which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall with a special Police Ball on October 21. This article was created with contributions from stories published in 1996.

The Camrose Police Service D.A.R.E. program has come a long way.

As the Camrose Police Service prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is coming up on its 10th year of operation.

[continues 421 words]

The Battle River Drug Response Task Force is inviting parents and family members of youth involved in drugs and alcohol to come for what they hope will be a powerful, entertaining, and informative evening.

Entitled "February One" the evening is an attempt by the Task Force to reach out to parents with support, information, and perhaps an opportunity to help each other.

"It's for parents and others who are looking for help and support in dealing with their kids' drug or alcohol use. It may be marijuana, alcohol, crystal meth, cocaine, crack, whatever," explains Camrose and District Support Services (CDSS) Director Wendy Gregg.

[continues 310 words]