Early Risers - Prevention

Early Risers Skills for Success

SWFAS recognizes that the key to preventing substance abuse problems and other problem behaviors is ongoing education about the impact of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. SWFAS offers prevention services for both youth and adults.

Program Description

Works to prevent and reduce substance use and abuse among high risk children and adolescents at their attending school. Counselors work with students who are referred for academic and behavioral issues stemming from at-risk behavior displayed in the school setting. These students are at a higher risk for substance use and abuse. The counselors work with these children and adolescents, individually and at times in groups providing drug prevention education, social skill building, referrals and follow-ups with students and families needing further assistance and treatment.

For any questions or inquiries please contact:
Jessica Wolfe, BA
Prevention Specialist
3763 Evans Avenue
Fort Myers FL, 33901
Phone: 239-931-9813
Fax: 239-332-6985

Services Provided:
Individual sessions with the students at school as well as at home with the caretaker.

Special Populations Served:
The program services school aged youth/adolescents (ages 5-12) referred by social workers, guidance counselors, teachers and/or parents/ caregivers.

Goal:
To improve the student’s academic achievement and behavioral modification in problem areas of students served through individual and family education and intervention.

Hours of operation:
Hours of operation vary between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, depending on the needs of the youth/adolescent.

Cost of Services:
No cost to participants.

Funding Sources:
Department of Children and Families

Interactive Quiz

Complimenting Links:

For the Kids

www.phoenix.gov/POLICE/color1.html - fun coloring sheets
www.pbskids.org - activities and learning for children through interactive games and other various content
www.mcgruff.org/ - “Just Say No” featuring the drug fighting dog
www.hasbro.com/playskool/noodleboro - Website for children and parents to work on academics and social skills
www.abovetheinfluence.com/ - provides drug education and fun learning activities for children and adolescent

For parents/caregivers

www.theantidrug.com/ - Parents site to be his or her child’s anti-drug
www.abovetheinfluence.com/ - drug education for parents and their children

Monthly Article

An Early Start: Drug Education Begins At Home - Introduction

Drug use is part of everyday life. Sometimes we forget that cough syrup, headache pills, alcohol and tobacco are drugs. Children learn about drugs in school, from other kids and on television, but what we do in our own homes is the beginning of drug education.

You are your children's most important teacher. Your words and actions help shape their ideas about alcohol and other drugs.

The first few years of life are important in building good values, self-esteem and the skills needed to prevent the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

We have to start talking with our children about all sorts of things, including drugs, when they're very young. We need to give them clear and consistent messages about what's expected of them. Children need rules and limits.

Children are naturally curious and should be encouraged to ask questions about what they see around them. We let our children know they're important when we listen carefully to their questions. Simple, direct answers often satisfy them.

Young children also learn by watching you and others. Has your child ever picked up a beer bottle, asked for a pill to feel better or pretended to smoke a cigarette? Children copy what they see. Think about your actions and what they may mean.

© 2008 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
A PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/early_start_introduction.html

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