TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — A collaborative effort between three entities will help parents detect substance abuse in their children.
Cherokee County Juvenile Drug Court, Tahlequah Police Department and Tahlequah Public Schools will join forces Monday, Oct. 6, to kick off the program.
“Our mission is to provide parents the power to request a drug assessment completed on their child without repercussions from law enforcement or the school system,” CCJDC Director Cindy Farmer said in a statement Wednesday. “The program will confirm or dispel the parent’s suspicions regarding substance abuse with their child and provide local resources to the child’s parents at the time of testing.”
Parents and children who use the Parent Empowerment Program will only have to give their initials when they obtain assessments.
Police Chief Steve Farmer said the program is a project he’s worked on for two years. Participating agencies will make the goal a reality.
TPD officers will administer the tests at the police department. Farmer said the test site is to better serve as a deterrent for the child. Testing supplies and accountability for the program fees will be provided by the juvenile drug court. A $10 fee will be collected by the person administering the test to help increase the program’s sustainability.
Cindy said children can be tested for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphtetamine, marijuana, opiates, methadone, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, oxycodone, phencyclidine, propoxyphene and alcohol.
The CCJDC has developed a local resource guide that includes substance abuse and behavioral health professionals to give parents the tools needed to appropriately address these issues with their children. The guide, detailed drug information, and test results will be given to the parents.
TPS will be given statistical data gathered through the program to increase the school district’s chances of getting drug-testing grants in the future. The ages of the children, race, gender and drug of choice will be collected to gain the information.
“We are always seeking resources for students and parents to help deter student drug use,” said TPS Assistant Superintendent Billie Jordan in a prepared statement. “We have a strong partnership with Cherokee County Juvenile Drug Court and Police Chief Steve Farmer and are pleased the police department is able to provide this service so parents can address drug use privately.”
Jordan said officials hope parents address substance abuse with their children, now that students can be drug-tested without the school district or law enforcement knowing the results.
“Our goal is not to kick kids out of school, but rather to keep them in school,” Jordan said. “Anytime we can partner with other agencies in the community that also support youth, we are pleased to do that.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
Bob Gibbins
Discussion
Parents to get help detecting teen drug abuse
- Local News
-
-
New TPS map for zoning unveiled
Big changes are in store for some Tahlequah Public Schools elementary students next August, but families found out Thursday night the shuffling may not be as drastic as they expected.
-
Board mulls school plan for expansion
Hulbert Public Schools representatives discussed the district’s proposed facility expansion with the Hulbert Town Council during their meeting Thursday night.
-
Area residents getting tax season help
When the calendar year turns over, people across the country begin gathering their W-2s, receipts and sharpen their pencils to prepare their taxes, hoping at best for a refund, and at worst, only a small bill to pay to Uncle Sam.
-
TPS releases proposed zoning map
Take a look at the proposed zoning map presented to Tahlequah Public Schools parents, students and staff Thursday night.
-
From the heart
As children, people often learn about making valentines in school. All you needed to impress that special girl or boy was some glue, scissors, paper doilies and red construction paper.
-
More new businesses open doors
The Tahlequah area market continues to grow, with several new businesses recently opening doors to customers.
-
Three held in Stilwell murder
Three Stilwell men were being held in the Adair County Jail Wednesday on an accusation of first-degree murder.
-
Man charged in drive-by shooting
Authorities on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for a Hulbert man accused of committing a drive-by shooting at a school board member’s home.
-
Report filed in officer-involved shooting case
The District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday received an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report into a Feb. 2 officer-involved shooting.
-
Buy local, buy fresh
The Oklahoma Food Cooperative took roots earlier this century and is growing stronger, expanding its reach across the state.
- More Local News Headlines
-
New TPS map for zoning unveiled
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
