Seminar to help parents keep kids out of trouble scheduled for April 26

Hopatcong - Parents of children of all ages are invited to attend, “Helping Our Kids Survive Their Most At-Risk Years: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Keep Their Child Safe,” at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 24, at the Hopatcong High School Auditorium. “Kids are dealing with so many challenges, and the adults in their lives - parents, teachers, and caregivers - need to be equipped to help them,” said Becky Carlson, coordinator of the Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families. “We can give adults the knowledge and tools they need to better communicate with their child and understand their child’s world better. Hopefully, this will help prevent their child from becoming involved in unhealthy behaviors or dangerous situations.” The evening’s topics will cover dangerous substances and local trends, including prescription drugs like Vicodin, Ritalin, and Xanax, as well as well as the illegal drugs, heroin and cocaine. A local parent, Jack, will tell his story about the loss of his son to a drug overdose eight years ago. A special focus will also be on Internet safety, with particular attention being paid to Myspace.com. The seminar, sponsored by the Hopatcong High School Student Assistance Program, will be presented by the Hopatcong Police Dept., Sussex County Narcotics Task Force, and the Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families (a program of the Center for Prevention and Counseling). All parents will receive a free copy of “Keeping Your Kids Drug-Free.” For information, call 973-383-4787 or 973-770-8968. The Center for Prevention and Counseling is located at 61 Spring St. in Newton.