The HVCASA Regional Drug-Free Schools Committee is entering its 15th year of service to our local school communities. We maintain a membership that represents the majority of the public schools in our part of the state. We also connect with many of the private and parochial schools throughout the area.
     Our mission is to support the combined substance abuse prevention efforts of parents, students, school administrators and staff. In the past we have helped our schools by sharing speakers, resources, information and trainings that cover a variety of prevention related topics, including school policy development. We host an all-day Parent Awareness Workshop every spring which attracts parents from all across our 22 town region. Over the years, we have published a newsletter, The Educator, which has addressed specific trends among youth and tips for reducing these risky behaviors.
    The Drug-Free Schools Committee identifies the needs of students and their families, as well as that of school staff, so that substance abuse issues can become less of a problem. We strive to achieve substance-free schools for all of the region’s students.
    DFS meets every month on the third Wednesday from 8-9am at the HVCASA office, 69 Stony Hill Road in Bethel. You are welcome to contact us and we invite your contribution to our monthly agenda. This year, we are focusing on the 40 Developmental Assets for Youth as identified by the Search Institute. These assets are a means of enhancing the positive qualities that youth acquire at home, school and in their communities.