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When it was apparent to us, and the
professionals working with our son that he needed more help than any of us were able to
give, I turned to these people and said, "Where do I start? Where can I find the kind of
help he so desperately needs?" I was appalled to find out that not one of them had any
answers or direction for me. Not his school counselors, his teachers, the law enforcement
liaison officer for his high school, our minister, or even our family therapist nor any of
her colleagues. They all agreed he urgently needed help, but they did not have even one
suggestion, or any direction of where to begin looking. I asked each of them if they had
known another family who had dealt with similar problems? They all said yes. Hadn't any of
those families been able to find help that had worked for them? They all just looked blank
and said they were sorry. None of them knew what to recommend for me. A helpless feeling
gripped my heart. My son's life was at stake. I wasn't asking for any guarantees, I was
looking for some direction. I was shocked, appalled and frightened. It didn't take a rocket
scientist to know we weren't the only family that had faced this type of crisis. It was at
that moment of realization that I understood I was on my own to figure this out before it
was too late. How I wished someone would have been willing to share what had worked for
their family. I vowed to myself then, that when I found a resource that worked for us, I
would return and share it with those people. For I didn't want one more family to be left
without some direction as they sought needed resources for the child they loved.
This experience is repeated far
too often, and perhaps you had a similar one. Nothing is
more frightening than needing crisis intervention for your child, and not knowing where to
turn for help. That information should be easily available. The more that information is
shared, the more likely it will be available when needed. How much better it would be to
have the needed information, regarding effective resources, readily available to a family
in crisis.
People You Know
Can you think of any facet in our society that has not
been affected by teen drug use, alcohol and/or out of control behavior? Virtually everyone
knows a family that has been harmed by at least one of these life cripplers. Sharing the
solutions you have found could make a difference in another's life. In turn, those people
are in contact with others, thus creating a powerful ripple effect. A simple way to start
is to make a list of the people you know, using the list below as a guide. Then send the
Free Booklets Postcard to people who have, or are likely to know, a struggling teen. This
postcard offers free booklets on teen drug use and on dealing with difficult teens. It
could be just the information and direction they, or someone they know, are needing.
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 Beauticians
Teachers
Clergy
Family Doctors/Dentists
Office Softball Team
Parents of child's peers
School Counselors
Insurance Agents
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Chiropractors
Co-workers
Day Care Providers
Music Teachers
Business Associates
Accountants
Nail Specialist
Friends
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Parishioners
Barbers
Family Members
Neighbors
Workout Buddies
Handyman
Bridge Club
Golf Partners
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Centers Of Influence
Centers of influence refer to people who, as a result
of their profession and/or interests, have regular contact, and/or responsibilities,
related to teens or their families - someone that would benefit by having resources and
information available regarding assistance for at risk teens. Centers of influence are
ideal people to contact with information about the Programs. This can be as simple as
mailing them a display case with attached introductory letter, filled with the "DIFFICULT
TEENS" and "TEEN DRUG USE" Booklets. You could also send them a packet of the "TEENS IN
CRISIS" Brochures which includes an introductory letter, and a display holder. It may be
even more effective to develop a personal rapport with individuals represented by these
professions, and deliver materials personally.
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Therapists
Mental Health Centers
Probation Officers
PTA groups
Psychiatrists
District Attorney
Family/Juvenile Judges
YMCA Staff
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Tough Love Groups
Support Groups
Family Counselors
Boys/Girls Club Staff
Family Law Attorneys
Rotary Clubs
Doctors
Church Groups
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Kiwanis Clubs
Lawyers
Psychologists
School Officials
Law Enforcement
Teachers
Juvenile Attorneys
School Counselors
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Upon developing a rapport with a specific individual you could:
Place display stands that can hold the booklets Difficult Teens - Suggestions for
Parents and Teen Drug Use - 34 Warning Signs. Return regularly to re-stock booklets and address
any questions that may have come up.
In addition to the display case, offer to leave TEENS AT RISK along with their other
magazines, in their waiting room.
Share your experience. Your experience will provide invaluable insight and assistance for
others with similar challenges.
Offer to be a contact for parents who are looking for resources for their struggling teen.
Put together information packets such as: PROGRAM/PARENT DVD, TEENS AT RISK,
Difficult Teens - Suggestions for Parents, Teen Drug Use - 34 Warning Signs.
Be a keynote speaker at a meeting or set up a display table or information booth at an
event.
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