Novato Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program

According to the 'California Healthy Kids Survey' spearheaded by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Marin County continues to exceed state averages for youth alcohol use and binge drinking. To address this growing problem, the Novato Police Department (NPD) and City of Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS) will partner with the Novato Unified School District (NUSD), Novato Youth Center (NYC) and other local entities to create a multifaceted approach. The program will include a collaborative planning effort led by NPD and PRCS to identify the types of educational and recreational prevention programs and outreach services needed to address this substance abuse problem. Youth, ages 7 to 18 will be targeted citywide as well as in the new low-income Hamilton neighborhoods. The education element will involve youth and their parents through a parenting workshop series, and counseling opportunities. Recreational programs will involve after-school and summer enrichment opportunities. Progress will be measured by the number of participants attending the parenting and middle/high school workshops, recreational programs, tracking of youth arrests related to alcohol use, and number of participants attending counseling sessions. Attendees will be surveyed on targeted behaviors before and after their workshop participation. NCA/NCF