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The Maine Approach
ELEMENT 9 - Parent/Community Involvement
TO ENCOURAGE PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TO THE SUPPORT THE
REINFORCEMENT OF ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS BEYOND THE SCHOOL SETTING.
In recent years school and health agencies have become theinstitutionss responsible for dealing
withATOD problems. However, the responsibility must be shared with families and
communities. Schools, families and communities must work in partnership to identify the
particular risk factors present in their community and to plan strategic approaches to deal with
those needs. Students, schools, families, and diverse interest groups in the community must be
included in every step of the process if prevention efforts are to be successful. This involvement
ensures a consistent message, encourages reinforcement of attitudes and behaviors, and provides
opportunities for participants to internalize healthy norms.
PRESENT INDICATORS FOR STANDARDS OF BEST PRACTICE:
(Rating your understanding from 1 to a high of 5 may help you in your planning and evaluation.)
- _____ Programs are based on a local needs assessment.
- _____ Parents and community are involved with program design, implementation and evaluation.
- _____ Programs are culturally, linguistically, developmentally and social relevant.
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Programs for parents of children of all ages are available, and include information on:
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_____ ATOD
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_____ Child development
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_____ District ATOD policies and how parents can reinforce messages
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_____ Resources that are available for help with ATOD issues
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_____ The importance of positive role modeling
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_____ Self assessment re: ATOD use
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_____ Legal issues relative to individual, family, school, community
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_____ Family ATOD policies
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_____ Opportunities for training, support and coaching exist.
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Diverse outreach methods and implementation strategies are utilized, such as:
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_____ Available child care
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_____ Transportation service
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_____ Drop-in programs
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_____ A variety of sites, some of which are non-school
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_____ A variety of times
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_____ Use of print materials, media, Internet, cable TV, etc.
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_____ All sectors of the community are welcomed and included.
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_____ There is a consistent and formal written process for welcoming newcomers and visitors.
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_____ Healthy relationships are initiated and maintained with appropriate community based programs, services, and organizations.
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_____ Information and invitations to participate are offered to key leaders and appropriate
community entities, when appropriate.
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_____ Opportunities for community service and volunteering are offered.
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_____ Involvement is recognized and celebrated.
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_____ Schools/families/communities support and sponsor chemical free activities for youth and adults.
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_____ Parents are involved with programs such as Safe Homes and Project Graduation.
Revised March 1995.
Maine Office of Substance Abuse
#11 State House Station
A.M.H.I. Complex, Marquardt Building
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Main Office: 207-287-2595
Information and Resource Center: 1-800-499-0027 (In-State Only)or 207-287-8900
TTY : 1-800-606-0215
