Project Grant NH28CE003339

SAFE COMMUNITIES 2021CARA LOCAL DRUG CRISES GRANT - YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FAMILY DISORGANIZATION INCLUDING SUBSTANCE USE OF A PRIMARY CAREGIVER, PHYSICAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT OR CONTACT WITH THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM DUE TO AN ACT OF DELINQUENCY THAT OFTEN INVOLVES ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS ARE AT AN INCREASED RISK FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE. A NEED FOR INCREASED TRAINING HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR STAFF WHO WORK ON THE FRONT LINES WITH HIGH RISK YOUTH AND FAMILIES TO ENSURE THAT WORKERS ARE FULLY INFORMED OF SAFE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS, DROP BOX LOCATIONS, LOCAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS THE RISK OF FENTANYL AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES. THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL ESTABLISH SOMERSET PREVENTION INFORMATION & RESOURCES IN-SERVICE TRAINING, OR SPIRIT, A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO EQUIP YOUTH SERVICE PROFESSIONALS WITH KEY INFORMATION, SKILLS AND A TOOLKIT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO PREVENT OPIATE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE /MISUSE AMONG THE YOUTH AND FAMILIES THAT THEY SERVE. WITH GREATER EXPERTISE, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES, FRONTLINE WORKERS CAN EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT PREVENTION STRATEGIES WITH THE HIGH-RISK YOUTH AND FAMILIES THEY SERVE.