New Task Force Program Helps Parents Steer Middle Schoolers Away from Risky Behavior

"When kids are connected to family, school, peers and their community, they are less likely to get involved in adolescent risk behaviors."

If there's one bit of research that continues to be reaffirmed time and again, it's just that, said Lori Verderosa, coordinator of Middletown's Substance Abuse and Prevention Task Force (SAPTF).

That's also what helps drive much of the programming the Task Force has created in Middletown, including "Guiding Good Choices," a new five-session series to be introduced this Wednesday night, April 27, for parents of middle school-age children, Verderosa said.

"We know that it's not easy for parents to get away, so we really made it as easy and as enjoyable and fun as possible, with dinner and child care taken care of," she said.

The new "Guiding Good Choices" program will provide five skills-based and informational sessions to help parents improve their relationships with their children while learning about the most effective, proven ways of protecting youths from engaging in risky behavior.

Each interactive session is designed to be fun and entertaining, with dinners donated from area restaurants and caterers, plus great raffle prizes to be awarded to parent participants, such as a sailing cruise on the 72-foot sailing vessel, the schooner Madeleine, a gift certificate to , a fully prepared authentic French meal from Le Petite Auberge, a gift basket from the Newport Gulls, and tickets for the Newport Playhouse.

Verderosa said the "Guiding Good Choices" seminars are free of charge to all parent participants. The third seminar will also involve the parents' children for a special "peer resistance" workshop.

It is not required that parents attend all five sessions but it is highly encouraged, because each session builds upon previous discussions, Verderosa said.

The program was designed in collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Group to help other parents address and prevent at-risk behaviors before the youths enter high school where peer pressure is greater.

The collaboration with the Gaudet PTG was a natural fit, Verderosa explained.

"The fewer the risk factors children are exposed to, the greater their likelihood of academic success," she noted. "Parents are the most important influence in protecting their children from risky behaviors."

The sessions are part of a five-year Drug Free Communities Grant in the amount of $125,000 that will help the Task Force to engage more parents in the coalition and community, Verderosa said.

The Basics:

• What: “Guiding Good Choices” is a five-session series geared to parents of children in Grades 5-8.
• When: It is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. with subsequent sessions on May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 25. 
• Where: All workshops will be held in the Learning Center.
• Food: Dinner will be served at each session at 6 p.m. 
• Child Care: Child care is available for children ages 4 and older.
• Incentives: Great door prizes will be raffled each session. Those who have attended all five sessions will be eligible for the Grand Prize Raffle of a gourmet French meal prepared for your dinner table by the former chef of La Petite Auberge. 
• No Cost: All workshops are free. 

For More Information and to Register:

Please contact Lori Verderosa at the Middletown Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force at 401-845-0409 or e-mail her at msaptf@middletownri.com or Donna Chelf at the Gaudet Middle School at dchelf@mpsri.net.