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For Immediate Release

Contact:
Deborah Clark
Regional Supervisor
Familystrength
432-0463

December, 2005

New Treatment Option for Teens with Substance Abuse Issues

Familystrength and the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition are pleased to announce the launching of a new program, Portable Interventions for Youth (PIY), designed to serve the needs of substance abusing teens and their families.
This program is a combined effort of Familystrength and the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition and will serve families with teens enrolled in either the Timberlane School District or the Sanborn School District by providing intensive therapeutic interventions.

“At Familystrength, we are excited to be working with the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition to bring much needed drug and alcohol treatment to youths and their families in this area of New Hampshire,” says Shawn Hassell, Area Director at Familystrength.

Familystrength will be utilizing several tools to provide cutting edge substance abuse treatment for teens and families. Familystrength staff will be utilizing an evidence-based program that was developed in New York City called Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT) an intensive family- and community-based intervention developed to treat adolescents. Its premise, like that of Familystrength’s, is that interventions must take place where the adolescent behavior is learned and reinforced. Familystregth qualified counselors will be meeting with teens in school, at home and in a variety of other community environments. APT also emphasizes the importance of a team approach, and program staff will be communicating with other adults who play a role in the teen’s life, including Juvenile Probation and Parole Officers, guidance counselors, and school administrators.

“The coalition continues to work hard at improving youth and families “access” to treatment for substance abuse, says Tim Lena, Chairman of the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition and Student Assistance Program Coordinator for the Timberlane Regional School District. “We are thrilled that this grant with Family Strength will provide much needed treatment for at least a few families. We are very optimistic that the unique collaborative approach to treatment, involving families, schools, probation etc. will have positive outcomes. We hope the program can be continued through other funding streams, once it’s effectiveness can be shown ”

Familystrength and the Coalition are able to provide this much needed service thanks to a $68,796.00 grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Referrals will be made through the two school systems.

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