Prevention First

Dmhas regional coalition- the objectives of the coalition include: 1) increased access to objective statistical information to better define the underage drinking problem as it affects monmouth county; 2) to build the capacity of coalition members and key stakeholders to address underage drinking through the application of a comprehensive training program in use of environmental Prevention strategies; 3) development and dissemination of a strategic Prevention plan for underage drinking in monmouth county; 4) to implement a series of community wide, culturally appropriate environmental Prevention strategies to result in significant reductions in underage drinking in monmouth county; and 5) ensure quality programming through the continuous, analysis, and reporting of project data and outcomes.

The lifeskills training (lst) pprogram is a research-based curriculum developed by dr. gilbert botvin, director of the institute for Prevention research and cornell university medical college. Lst seeks to promote health and well-being among children through the delivery on general life skills, health skills, and drug-resistance skills. Methods used include interactive discussions, beavioral rehearsals adn eduational activities. Lst is the most extensively evaluated substance abuse preventionprogram available and is proven to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth. Al's pals- through guided creative play, puppetry and role-playing, al's pals, a resiliency-based early childhood curriculum develops personal, social and emotional skills in children. It teaches hildren how to express feelings appropriately, think independently, accept differences, make safe and healthy choices and understand the negative impact that using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can have in their lives.

The strenthening families program (sfp) is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strenthening program for high risk families. Sfp is an evidence based family skills training program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social compentencies and school performance. Child maltreatment also decreases as parents learn more effective parenting skills.