| |  | The Baltimore County Department of Health Bureau of Substance Abuse is the lead agency responsible for the prevention programs in Baltimore County that are funded by the Maryland Department Health and Mental Hygiene, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration. The Bureau works in collaboration with its partner agencies to reach high-risk children and families in the provision of programs and services. Prevention programs are designed to prevent or delay the onset of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. Many of the programs are evidence-based programs which have been proven through research to produce positive results and have been certified as model programs by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Proms and graduations are exciting events for teens that are often accompanied by "high-risk" behavior. It's during these times that teens are more susceptible to drinking alcohol, using drugs, and driving while under these influences. The Safe & Sober Prom Season 2007 Parent Guide & Pledge Book (PDF) offers the following information to help parents keep their teens safe furing prom and graduation season: Facts about underage drinking and drug use What parents can do to encourage driver safety in their teen Consequences of providing alcohol to minors Supporting after-prom events Transportation companies that have made a commitment to not allow any minor
to use or possess alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs in their vehicles
| Second Step | | Conducted in Head Start and other childcare centers in Baltimore County, this program focuses on improving impulse control, problem solving, anger management, and empathy toward others. The Second Step Family Program familiarizes parents with the curriculum, assist them with reinforcing
assists them with reinforcing the skills at home, and helps them improve their parenting skills. | | All Stars | | | | This program targets middle school aged children and is provided in some Police Athletic League (PAL) centers and middle schools. This program encourages children to resist peer pressure, make healthy decisions, and make a commitment not to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. | | Get The Message | | | | An after-school program offered in some elementary and middle schools, this program combines basketball and life skills training. Youth participate in homework review, discussions on school concerns, life skills lessons, substance abuse prevention education, and team building exercises. | | SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) | | | SADD is a student-run peer leadership program in which students educate their peers about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, HIV/AIDS, violence, and teen pregnancy. There are SADD chapters in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools throughout Baltimore County. | | After-Prom Programs | | | | After-prom events are safe, supervised, alcohol and drug free activities that offer a fun, exciting alternative to high risk activities following the Senior Prom. Baltimore County high schools may apply for grants from the Bureau to help fund after-prom programs. | | Strengthening Families | | | | This program is selected for substance abuse treatment centers and the Detention Center for families of adolescents ages 6 -12 years old. This program is designed to improve parenting skills and family communication and cohesion. |
This effort focuses on affecting policies and practices associated with underage drinking. The Bureau partners with many organizations as members of the Combating Underage Drinking Coalition. Other members of the coalition include: - Baltimore County Police Department
- Department of Juvenile Services
- Safe and Drug Free Schools
- Department of Social Services
- Department of Recreation and Parks
- Division of Catholic Schools
- State's Attorney's Office
- Towson University Counseling Center & University Policy
- Baltimore County Licensed Beverage Association
- Baltimore County Liquor Board
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Baltimore County Traffic Safety Coalition
This coalition works to provide events, services, information, and education in efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol. Strategies include reducing the availability of alcohol to minors, increasing consistency of enforcement, and decreasing the perception among youth and parents that underage drinking is normal and acceptable. The Bureau of Substance Abuse has a collection of educational materials on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. These materials are available to the public through County libraries. Bureau of Substance Abuse
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212
Call: 410-887-3828
E-mail: substanceabuse@baltimorecountymd.gov  (Need PDF Help?)
Revised April 20, 2007 |
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