HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.a. Dakota Alliance for Prevention CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
EXECIITIVE SUNIl�A�RY FOR ACTION
' iTY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: MAY 3, 1994
AGENDA ITEM: DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION AGD�T.SHEADSNREPORTS
PRTPARED BY: LINDA JENTINK, AGENDA 1`#a.�� # � �
ADMINISTR.ATIVE SECRETARY
ATTACfIl�lENTS: NONE APPROVED BY:
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Sue Larson contacted the City to request time to approach City Council and
let them know what Dakota Alliance for Prevention is all about.
Sue or her staff will give a ten minute presentation.
RECObD+2ENDED ACTfiON: None.
COtTNCIL ACTION:
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: �.ESI�IENCY:
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DAKO�A COUNTY YOUTH
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� ' AN ALCOHOL
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�. �THER �RUG ABUSE �EEDS AS�ESSIV��1'T
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DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION
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N�EDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE:
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� � � � �� �Leslie Yunker � � � � Lakeville � � � � � � � � �
� � � � � �-Carol�`homas��� � � �Pr�vention AUiaaee� � ��� � ��
Margaret Dixon Inver Grove Heights i
Teri Shingledecker Hastings �
PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS: . _ : � '
` James Backstrom County Attorney
Jennifer Berg West St. Paui �
, � �� � Bill Bergen � � � � � ' � M�ndota Heights�� � �`, �
� ; � � � Sheryl.CaseY � � � � � �a an � � �
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Deborab Clark South St. Paui �
Matt Dempsey Burnsville
Margaret Dixon In�er Grove Heights
Mary Duncomb Farmington
.John Gulla Apple Valley �
_ Jenny Heise takevilie .
� � � � � �Adam Manwarren � ����� '� Apple Vall�y � � �� � ��� �� �
Cintli Moody Farmingtor� �
Maria Paria St.Paul
BiII Payne Mendota Heights
Father Ki1lian Perry Inver Gro,�e HeigMts � ,
Sharon:Peterson Rosemaunt °
Dean Phillips Burnsville
� � � Shari�Ptest , �� � B�Fr�sville�'� �� � � � � �
�David RQos �� � � � � �Burnsville ��� � �
Sarah ShiPPY` BucnsviAe :
� � ���Ter1.Shirigiedecker � � Hast�ing� .� � �
Robin 5toffel Vermillion � .`
Cafol Taylor South St. Paul
" � ` ° � ����� ° �� � Ed Terry � � �� � � � ��Nortfifield� �, � � � ` �� ,� � �
Carol Thomas Prevention Alli�nce �
� � �� �� � Wendy Thompson �� �� Burnsviile �� � � � �� �
� � �HenryTressel�� � � � � � Has#i�gs � �� � � �
_ L�slie Yunker Lakevifle
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STAFF:
Mary Montagne : �
Sue Gehrz
I Blang Xiong _
Jane Palumbo �
Sue Larsen
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' DAI40TA ALLIANCE FOR �REVENTION - �S�-�9�� PHOIlIE NUMBElt '
33 E. WENTWORTN AVE. #345 450-2962 �nx`NuntsEx
WEST, ST. PAUL, MN 5511$ � '�
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� ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report was compiled by the Needs Assessment Committee of the Dakota Alliance for Prevention
�, (DAP). Committee members were Carol Thomas, Leslie Yunker, Margaret Dixon, Teri Shingledecker
and DAP staff Sue Gehrz,Mary Montagne,and Blong Xiong.
This report was produced by Wilder Research Center staff Richard Chase and Marilyn Conrad with
� assistance from jane Palumbo,DAP staff.
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� ' re ort are re rinted with ermission from
The definitions of risk and protective factors in this p p P
Developmental Research and Programs,Inc.,(DRP,Inc.),Seattle,Washington,developers of Communities
� That Care TM,a community-risk focused prevention training system.
All rights reserved. No reproduction or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic or
�� mechanical including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written
permission of DRP,Inc.,is allowed.
Information on Cammunities Thaf Care TM'training and program�aterials is available from I�velopmental
� Research and Programs, Inc., 130 Nickerson, Suite 107, Seattle, Washington, 98109. Phone 1-800-736-
2630,FAX 1-206-286-1462.
� OO 1990,1991,1992,DRP,Inc. _
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The Dakota AiTiance for Prevention is a community partnership
funded by a federal grant f�rom the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
through the Public Health Department of the
�' Dakota County Community Semices Division.
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�; TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
�� Introduction.......................
................................................................... ............... ........ ....... ... ........... 1
� Summary and Implications........................................................................ ......... ......... ............................... 2
Dakota County Resident Profile........................................................................................................................... 3
�� Indicators of Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Dakota County................. ............................... 5
Community and Personal Risk Factors............................................................................................................... 10
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Protective Factors................................ .. ..
� APpendix................................................................................................................................ ......... ................... 32
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� INTRODUCTION
� Dakota Aliiance for Prevention • ivtinnesota Department of The risk reduction approach assumes
Human Services, Chemical Use that to prevent alcohol and other
The Dakota Alliance for Prevention Related Indicator System and drug problems before they happen,
�� is a community partnership Drug and Alcohol Abuse the factors that put yauth at risk#or
; established in 1992 through a federal Normative Evaluation System those problems must be addressed.
grant from the Center for Substance ��S) To be effective at preventing alcohol
� Abuse Prevention. The mission of and other drug problems requires
the Dakota Alliance for Prevention ' 1990 Census Reports multiple strategies to reduce
(DAP) is to promote chemical health multiple lalown risk factors found in
• CommLnit Re ort Card: A the individual, the eer rou , the
and grevent alcohol and other drug �'L—� P S P
� abuse in Dakota County through Profile of Children in Dakota family, the school, and the
community empowerment and Co� Dakota County First community. These risks are listed in
collaboration. Annual Children and Families Figure 10,page 10.
, Conference,September,1992.
� This report was compiled by the The protective factors approach
Dakota Alliance for Prevention's • Po�ulation/Social Indicator assumes that all the risk factors are
� Needs Assessment Cammittee in T.L�Il.il�, Dakota County balanced by protective factors that
order to help determine community Community Services Planning, serve as buffers against the risk. To
needs and shape a strategic plan for November,1991. be effective at countering the risk
meeting DAP's mission. factors for alcohol and other drug
�' Additional information about these problems requires strategies to
SOUf CeS Of It1f01T1'18t10f1 sources and how to receive complete strengthen youth's bonds with peers,
reports of the sources used in this parents, school, and their
'� The county-wide needs assessment needs assessment are available from community; strategies to develop
j process included 25 focus groups �e DAP. consistent norms across families,
with youths and pazentsl and town schools, and communities; and
� meetings sponsored by DAP in Prevention Planning Framework strateg�es to pro�ote pos�ti�e and
Lakeville on January 11, and in healthy behavior, well-being, and
Burnsville on April 27, 1993. The In their rev��w of information for this personal success for youth.
televised town meetings included report, the Needs Assessment
� students, police officers, teachers, Committee used a prevention In their selectian of information for
parents, elected officials, school planning framework that focuses on this report, the DAP Needs
administrators,business people, and both reducing risk factors and Assessment Committee also used a
�� clergy. increasing protective factors, based prevention model developed by the
on the assumption that alcohol and Search Institute that defines 30 assets
In addition, the Needs Assessment other drug problems can be that protect youth from at-risk
Committee gathered and combed prevented by reducing the risks for behaviors.3 These assets are listed in
� through information related to those problems as well as by the Appendix.
alcohol and other drug abuse among countering those risks. This model is :
Dakota County youth from several from "Communities That Care"
� sources: created by DRP, Inc? Throughout
this report, text borro�ved directly
• The 1992 Minnesota Student from their materials describing the
Survey risk and protective factors is in
� italics. ,
• A 1992 DAP Household Survey
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1 The focus groups culminated in two reports: 1 istenng to Parents• RedLcing Alcohol Tobacrn�nd Other Dng Problems�n.
Dakota Cotin�.Focus Gmu�Resuits.Richard Krueger,Ph.D.,May 1993. 1-iSt �ne to YoLth• RedLcing,P►lcohol.Tobacrn and
� Other Drug Problems in Dakota CoLniv.Focus Grou�ResLlts.Richard Krueger,Ph.D.,May 1993.
2 Communities That Care,�omm +nitv Przveation Planning A Risk Fo�icod A�proa h �,i�lc^�3n,¢the StratQgy Develnprnental
Research and Programs.Inc..1991,
� 3 Peter Bensen, . Minneapolis: Search Institute,1993.
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SUMMARY AND IMPUCATIONS �
ReSid@t1t P�0�1@ • � The same proportion of 9th and On the other hand,the risks associated �
12th graders say that their pazents with transitions and mobility may be
The population of Dakota County, follow through with consequences of particular concern in the rapidly
approaching 300,000, is still growing. "all of the time." growing suburbs. �
Abou#a third aze under age 20. While
the number�f teenagers declined since 3. Youths' alienation from their Protective Factors
1980,the number of children under age families
5 grew substantially. Consequently, The DAP Needs Assessment �
. Dakota County can expect an increase • Teens in the focus groups Committee noted that protective
in the number of teenagers 5 to 10 identified "intemal family conflict" factors are just now receiving the
years from now, giving the county as the most serious problem. amount of attention given to risk �
time to plan and execute strategies for factors; consequently, there is less
preventing alcohol and other drug • More than 1 in 5 students had information available on the protective
problems among youth and families. suicidal thoughts in the past factors among Dakota County's youth.
month, and 1 in 10 has ever �
Udicators of Problems attempted suicide. Dakota Lounty has a solid foundation
for building strategies to prevent
Dakota County already has higher 4. Favorable attitudes toward serious alcohol and other drug ��
rates of teenage DWI arrests, drug alcohol use among youth problems among youth and families,
anests, and liquor law violations than including community norms against
the state as a whole, especially among • Occasional drinking is acceptable illegal drugs, excessive drinking, and �
teenage males. Without concerted to teens in Dakota Counry, but drinking and driving;a strong sense of
prevention efforts, these problems will drinking and driving are not community identity; a low dropout
certainly worsen. acceptable, according to youth rate, and high incomes. In addition, �
focus group participants. Dakota County appears to have
RiSk FeCt01'S � adequate family and community
• This attitude is reflected in support#or yaung children; however,
Risk reduction strategies appear Minnesota Student Survey results, that support appears to diminish as �
especially needed in these areas: which found that 45 percent of 9th youths get older.
graders and 71 percent of 12th
1. The avaiiability and perceived graders say it is okay for teens to The protective factors that need the �
avaiiability of alcohol drink if they don't drive. most bolstering appeaz to be
• Easy access to alcohol was a
common theme in the town Rural youth may be at even greater 1. School suppart �
meetings and focus groups. risk than suburban youth in Dakota
County. Based on Minnesota Student • 54 percent of 6th graders, 43
� 85 percent of 12th graders say Survey results, youth in rural Dakota percent of 9th graders, and 37
obtaining alcohol is"easy"or"very County are more likely to report earlier percent of 12th graders feel school �
easy." alcohol use(before age 15),regular use, people care about them "quite a
and obtaining alcohol from older bit"or"very much."
2 Family management and friends than are youth in suburban �
communication problems, Dakota County. Rural girls in 2. Peer su�ort
especially related to the lack of particular have more reported suicide
setting and consistentiy enfo�cing attempts (one in five 9th grade rural • 37 percent of 6th graders, 29
rules and the lack of support for girls ever attempted suicide). Rural percent of 9th graders, and 17 ,�'
parents who try to monitor their you#h in general report more anti- percent of 12th graders say they
children's behavio� social behavior, with girls shoplifting don't use alcohol or other drugs
and boys fighting more often than because their"friendsdon't use." �
+ These problems were also suburban youth. Finally, the attitudes
commonly raised in the town toward teenage drinking appear to be 3. Family rules and standards
meetings and focus groups. more permissive in rural Dakota
County, with girls especially more • As noted earlier, only about 1 in 5 '
• Just one in five students report commonly believing that it's okay to students say their parents follow
that their parents have talked to drinic as long as they don't drive. through with consequences "all of �
them "quite a bit" about teenage the time"
alcohol and drug use.
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'� DAKOTA COUNTY RESIDENT PROFILE �
� This profile of Dakota County
residents comes from the U.S.Census.
It includes population figures, racial Figure 1
�� and ethnic chazacteristics,and income Population and.Population Growth,1980-1991
; information. Dakota County
- Population and Population Growth soo.000
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Dakota County was the fastest 2�5 000
growing county in Minnesota during
�f the 1980s. Most of the growth took
�� place in Apple Valley, Eagan, �0•0°°
Lakeville,and Bumsville(Figure 1).
� 22s,000
• The population in Dakota
County increased from 194,279 200,opp
%`- in 1980 to 275,227 in 1990, an
�;� increase of 42 percent.
t�s,000
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In 1991,the estimated population 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1 s92
� WaS 282,632.
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� Figure 2
Children and Youth Population cn�idren and Youtn Popu�at�on,�sso-�sso
Dakota CouMy
� The overall children and youth
, population (ages 19 and younger)
increased from 72,732 in 1980 to 30,000
� 88,729 in 1990, an increase of 22
' percent(Figure 2). 2s,s3s
25�� 24.389
� • The number of teens age 15-19 2�.019
declined in Dakota County in the 20,� 19,308 19,13?
past decade. i't.s2s i�,�s6
16.762
,� • The number of children under 15,000
age 5 grew the most during the
past 10 years(52%).
� 10,�
5,000
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0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19
� Age Groups
0 1980 .
� ■ 1990
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Children's Family Type �
Figure 3
Most children under age 18 in - Family Type for Children Under Age 18,1980 and 1990
Dakota County live with both Dakota County �
pazents.
• 14 percent of children in Dakota 80•� �
County resided with one parent ��,� 67,810
in 1990, up from 11 percent in
1980. 60,000 56.858 �
• The number of children living so,000
with a married couple family 40,000
increased 19 percent during the �;
1980s to almost 68,000. 30,000
• The number of children living in 20,000 �
single-parent families increased ! 11,700
63 percent during the 1980s, l0,000 7,158
1,908 2,598 ,..,
from about 7000 to nearly 12,000 0
(Figure 3)• MamedCo�ple Single ParenC Other '�
Raciai and Ethnic Characteristics 0 19so
� 1990 ��
Dakota County's population is 95.3
percent White(non-Hispanic)and 4.7
percent persons of color,according to
the 1990 Census. Among youth age
18 and younger, however, the
proportion from communities of
color is higher,6.7 percent(Figure 4). Figure 4 �
1990 Dakota CouMy Population
• Among Hispanics, persons of pecia�and Ethnic Characteristics
Mexican origin are the largest �
community in Dakota County,
27?3. �� Percent _
• Among Asians, the largest
groups are Korean (908). White 262,332 95.3 �
Vietnamese (663), Asian Indian
(615),and Laotian(574). Asiaz►/Pacific Islander 4,643 1.7
Annual Per Ca ita Income � � * s 82o i.4 �
p _ xisp c .
Per capita income is the total African American 3,411 1.2 �'
personal income received by all
residents divided by the total Amencan Indian 893 .3
population.
Other Races 128 - �
Dakota County has among the
highest per capita incomes in 275,227 100A
Minnesota. �
• In 1990,the per capita income in Source: 1990 Census -
Dakota County was $17,237,
compared with $14,389 for * The total Hispanic population in Dakota County in 1990 was 4,025,
Minnesota as a whole. accounting for Black (48), American Indian (45),and Asian (112) �'
• Despite the high per capita �P�cs counted in those groups and not included in the Hispanic
income, 4.3 percent of Dakota number listed in the Figure. �
County residents live in poverty.
(See page 13 for more details.)
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"� INDICATORS OF YOUTH ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG PROBLEMS
IN DAKOTA COUNTY
�; Some standard measures or graders is slightly lower in Dakota • In both 9th and 12th grade in •
: indicators of alcohol and other drug County than statewide. In Dakota Dakota County, rural youth are .
�� problems among Dakota County County, male and female you#h more likely than suburban youth
; youth are available from several report similar alcohol use. In to report at least monthly alcohol
sources, including the Minnesota contrast, statewide, twelfth grade use. Nearly half (48 percent) of
Student Survey, DAANES and the males report higher use than twelfth 12th grade rural youth report
Minnesota Department of Public grade females (45 percent compared monthly or more frequent
' Safety. with 38 percent reporting at least alcohol use, compared with 38
monthly use)(Figure 5). percent of suburban youth.
� Alcohol Use Among Dakota County • The percent of youth in Dakota
YOUth County using alcohol at least
monthly more than doubles
According to the Minnesota Student from 9th to 12th grade, rising
' Survey, alcohol .use (at least from 17 percent in 9th grade to
monthly) among ninth and twelfth 40 percent in 12th grade.
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� Figure 5
Youth Reporting At Least MoMhly Alcohol Use
Dakota CouMy
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100 100
90 90
� 80 80
70 70
'� .. 60 ..� 60
� SO � 50 48%
a � a � 4096 38R6
3U 239b 30
�: 20 17� 1596 2�
10 10
,� 0 0
All Suburban Rural All Suburban Rurai
9th Graders 12th Graders
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Sourcec 1992 Minnesota Student Survey .
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Juvenile Diversion Program for Fi9ure s �
First Time Offenses Number of�akota counry vouth in Detox,
OutpatieM Substance Abuse Treatn�ent,and
Dakota County has a Diversion Inpetient Substance Treatment,1990-1992 �
Program for juveniles charged for the
first time with possession or Detox _
consumption of alcohol or a small �
amount of marijuana. A� 322Q 1221 1�
Under 15 18 9 11
During 1992, 277 juveniles were 15-17 111 100 134 �
referred to the Diversion �*�
Program, with 212 of them 18-20 146 175 265
successfully completing the
Pro��, Primary Outpatient Treatmet�t Programs j�.
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Detox and Alcohol and Other Drug � � � �
Treatment Programs Under i5 3 16 il �`
15-17 21 57 40
The number of client& under age 21 18-20 63 55 53
in detox increased in the past year, ;�
while the number in primary Printery inpatient Treetment Programs
outpatient and inpatient treatment
programs dropped slightly (Figure �gg �Q � �
6). Under 15 3 9 9 �
• In 1992, 410 youth age 12 to 20 15-17 17 27 15
were admitted to the Dakota 18-20 22 21 18 �
County Receiving Center
(Detox),up from 284 in 1991 and Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services and
275 in 2990: Dakota County Receiving Center.Inc. �
• In 1992, 104 Dakota County
youths age 20 and younger �`
received outpatient treatment for
alcohol or other drugs, and 42
youths received inpatient �
treatment. . '
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� Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Arrests ;
�; In 1991, 62 males and 6 females age � .
16-18 were anested for DWI. Both
the number and the rate of DWI
anests seem to be dropping among
' 16-18 year olds in Dakota County '
(Figure�.
� • The DWI anest rate in 1991 for
16-18 year old males was higher
in Dakota County (119 per
�' 10,000) than for Minnesota (72
_: per 10,000).
• 16-18 year old females in Dakota
�' Coun had a much lower DWI
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rate than for males (12 per
� 10,000) in 1991, similar to the
overall state rate.
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� Driving Whik Intoxicated Arrests,Dakota County and Minnesota 16-18 Year Oids
� 140
120 Males-Dakota County
� 100
_ S
� SO
� � Males-Minnesota
� bU
� a
ao
� 20
- Femates-Dakota County
Females-Minnesota
� O
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
—b— Males-Dakota County —p— Females-Dakota County
� —�— Males-Minnesota —�— Females-Minnesota
� Source: Department of Public Safety,Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,
Chemical Use Related Indicator System,Minnesota Department of Human Services,Chemicai Dependency Program
Division.
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Drug Arrests �
Drug arrests among 16-18 yeaz olds • . For females age 16-18 in Dakota
are slowly dropping. In 1991, 39 County, the drug anest rate in �;
males and 7 females age 16-18 were 1991 was 14 per 10,000, down
arrested on drug-related charges from a high of 30 per 10,000 in
(Figure S). 1989, but higher than the �
Minnesota rate of 5 per 10,000.
• The drug anest rate in 1991 for
16-18 yeaz old males was higher �
in Dakota County (75 per 10,000)
than m Minnesota overall(41 per
10,000),but down from a high of -
138 per 10,000 in 1988. - �.
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Figure 8
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Drug An�ests,Dakota CouMy and Minnesota
16-18 Year Olds �
200 ,-
18U �:
160
140
�
z5 120
� ��� �
� 100
� -
p°�`" 80 • �
Males-Dakota County
60
qp Males-Minnesota �
20 Females-Dakota County
OFemales-Minnesota �
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
—�0— Males-Dakota County —�0— Females-Dakota County
—�— Males-Minnesota —';'— Females-Minnesota �
Source: Department o€Public Safety,Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, �-
Chemical Use Related Indicator System,Minnesota Department of Human Services,Chemical Dependency Program
Division.
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� Liquor Law Violations
In 1991, there were 641 liquor law � . As with the other indicators of
� violations amo�g 16-18 year olds in alcahol and other drug problems
Dakota County (462 for males and in Dakota County, the rates for
179 for females). Over the past females are much lower, but
� several years, the violation rate has Dakota County females age 16-18
been up and down for males and have a slightly higher rate than
fairly steady for females{Figure 9). Minnesota females of the same
age (358 per 10,000 in 1991
'� • The liquor law violation sate for compared with 223 per 10,000).
maies age 16-18 is higher in
Dakota County than in
�! Minnesota. For example, the ,
1991 rates were 888 per 10,000 in
Dakota County and 532 per
� 10,000 in Minnesota.
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Figure 9
Liquor Law Violations,Dakota Cou�y and Minnesota
� 16-18 Year Olds
� 1200
�; 1000
Males-Dakota County
� Q 800
S
0
.�
� � � Males-Minnesota
�
�
a � Females-Dakota County
�� Females-Minnesota
200
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1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
� —O— Males-Dakota County —0-- Females-Dakota County
—t- Males-Minnesota --i-- Females-Minnesota .
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Source: Department of Public Safety,Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,
Chemical Use Related Indicator System,Minnesota Department of Human Services,Chemical DependencyProgram
� Division.
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COMMUNITY AND PERSONAL RISK FACTORS �
A Community-Wide Approach to p�'esent in a community, the greater the This section identifies 16 risk factors �;
Risk-FOCUSed P�@V@tltlOtl likelihood of drug abuse in that (Figure 10) that put youth at risk for
community. alcohol and other drug problems and �
Risk focused prevention is based on a describes what is known about each
simple premise: to preuent a problem The more risk factors fo which an riskfactor in Dakota County.
from happening, we need to uienhfy the individual is exposed, the greater the
facfors that zncrease the risk of that likelihood that the individual will become �
problem developing and then find ways invotved in drug abuse.
to reduce the risks.
4Vhat is the importance of risk factors in �
Over the past 30 years researchers have dealing with alcohol and drug problems?
identified risk factors for drug abuse, One clear implication is if we can reduce `
juvenile delinquency, and related the risks in young people's lives or
problems in important areas of daily Iife: counter those risks, the chances of r�
the famity,fhe school,the peer group,the preven#ing problems associated with
community, and within individuals those risks will begreatly increased.
themselves. The more risk factors �
Figure 10
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Communities That Care�lodel ��
Risk Factors �
COMMUNITY RISK FACTORS
♦ Availability of drugs � �
• Community laws and norms favorable towazd drug use
• Transitions and mobility �
♦ Low neighborhood attachment and community disorganization
♦ Economic and social deprivation
PERSONAL RISK FACTORS: FAMILY �
♦ Family history of alcoholism
• Faznily Management prablems .�
• Parental drug use and positive attitudes towazd use .
PERSONAL RISK FACTORS: SCHOOL . �
♦ Early antisocial behavior
• Academic failure
• Low commitment to school �
PERSONAI RISK FACTORS: IN01111DUALIPEER
♦ Alienation or rebelliousness �
• Antisocial behavior in eazly adolescence
• Friends who use drugs
• Favorable attitudes toward drug use �
• Early first use of drugs
Source: Developmental Ressearch and Programs.Inc.
�
-ia ,�
� 1. Community Risk Factor: Availability of Drugs and Alcohol
�
The availabilify of drugs is dependent, in part, on the laws and norms of society. Whether particular substances are legal or
proscribed by law, their availability may vary with other factors. When atcohol is more available, fhe prevalence of drinking, the
� amount of alcohol consumed,and the heavy use of a2cohol al1 increase. Similarly, the availability of illegal drugs is associated with
use. Research has shoum that greater drug availability in schools increases the use of drugs beyond other risk characteristics of
individuals. Perceived availability of drugs also may increase risk of drug use.
� Dakota County town meeting and youth focus group participants indicated that alcohol and other drugs are readily
available to teens in their communities throughout the county.
� Parents in the focus groups also said that teens have easy access to alcohol, stealing if from liquor cabinets at home or
having older siblings or adults buy it for them. Teens know which bars and liquor stores sell#o minors or know the
adults willing to buy alcohol for them.
�` • In a survey of adult Dakota agreed that "illegal drugs are • 6 percent of 6th graders, 28
Coun#y residents; 43 percent readily available in Dakota percent of 9th graders, and 44
agreed that "illegal drugs are County." percent of 12th graders believe
� readily available in Dakota that alcohol and drugs are sold at
County." In rural Dakota The perceived availability of school or on school grounds.
County, 56 percent agreed, alcohol and other drugs
�" compared with 41 percent in increases as youth get older, • For Dakota County seniors, this
suburban Dakota County. according to the Minnesota perceived availability exceeds
Student Survey(Figure 11). the state average by 17 percent,
� ! In surveys of DAP members and with suburban youth more likely
of professionals in Dakota • 18 percent of 6th graders, 59 than rural youth to say that
County knowledgeable about the percent of 9th graders, and 85 alcohol and drugs are sold at
County and who are percent of 12th graders in Dakota theiz schools (47 percent vs. 32
� "stakeholders"in the DAP project County report that it is "easy" or percent).
but not members, 74 percent of 'bery easy" for students to get
the DAP members and 100 alcohol in their community.
�' percent of the stakehalders
Figure 11
� Youth's Sources of Alcohol and Drugs
Dakota County
� 100 1pp
90 g5'�o 9p
80 80
� 70 70
C � 59g'o C �
� 50 � SO 44%
�' a0. 40 a0. 40
30 30, 28%
20 18% 20
� 10 10 6%
0 0
6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th
� Ga�ade Cnade Grade Grade Grade Giade
Percent Reporting Percent Reporting
Very Easy or Easy for AlcohoUDrugs are Sold at
Students to GeY Alcohol in the Community School or School Grounds
� Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
� -11-
. �
2. Community Risk Factor. Community Laws and Norms Favorable Toward Drug Use
Communities with laws favorable to drug use,such as low drinking ages and low taxes on alcohol,,have higher rates of atcohol-related
�
traffic fataiities and deaths due to cirrhosis of the liver.
� The town meetings raised numerous examples of community norms in Dakota County that support the use of alcohol by �
minors,'including kegs at graduation parties, adults providing alcohol to minors, adults renting hotel rooms for
unsupervised teen parties,and lack of support for parents who are trying to enforce non-use rules. �
Youth and parents in the focus groups reported that inconsistent enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco and
alcohol to minors are problems in many communities.
�
• Underage drinking is okay under • According to the Minnesota
certain circumstances for up to a Student Survey,about one in five �
third of community residents; youth have"no idea"or feel their
however, community norms parents "wouldn't mind" if they
against illegal drugs, drinking found out that their children had
and driving, and excessive been drinking. �
drinking are strong in Dakota
County,according to a survey of
adult residents.
�
�'
_ �3. Commurnty Risk Factor: Transit�ons and Mobility
Transitions, such as those betu�een elementa and middle school or 'unios hi h school, and residential moves are assocrated with �
nJ 1 8
increased rates of antisocial adolescent behaviar,including rates of drug initiation and frequency of use.
Students in Dakota County need more help making the transition to middle school,according to participants at the town �:
meetings and youth focus groups. Many school-based prevention programs are concentrated in elementary grades,but
the need for these prevention programs increases after students leave elementary schooL
�
• About a quarter of students • The 1990 Census figures for • Dakota County was the fastest
changed s� .00ls at least once in Dakota County show that for growing countyin Minnesota �
the past three years due to a persons age 5 or older, 45 during the 1980s. Most of the
move, according to the percent of rural residents and 55 growth took place in Apple
Minnesota Student Survey. For percent of suburban residents Valley,Eagan,Lakeville,and , '�
6th graders, the percent is even had. moved residences since Burnsville(see Figure 2).
higher (35 percent compared 1985. (See Apgendix for details.)
with the state average of 26 For perspective, 44.5 percent of �
percen��. Minnesotans age 5 or older in
1990 had moved since 1985.
�
; �
-12- �
� anization
4. Community Risk Factor: Low Neighborhood Attachment and Community D�sorg
� Nei hborhoods with a hi h ulation densi ,hi h rates o crime and lack o natural surveillance o ublic laces have high rates of
% % P�P hJ 8 f f f P P
juvertile delinquency as well. Research hus also found that attachment to a neighborhood is a factor in inhibiting crime.
� By most measures of neighborhood attachment and identity in a recent survey of residents,Dakota County has low risk
in this area, with one exception: just 10 percent of households have members involved in community groups or
� organizations such as crime watch or block clubs.
Concerns about crime and neighborhood safety were raised in focus groups with Hispanic parents and with pazents
� residing in public housing.
�.
�
5. Community Risk Factor: Economic and Social Deprivation
�
Children from families who experience sociai isolation,extreme poverty,and poor living conditions are at elevated risk of chronic drug ,
� abuse. ,
While Dakota County has among the highest per capita incomes in Minnesota, sti11 4.3 percent of Dakota County
residents have incomes below poverty($12,764 for a family of 4),according to the 1990 Census(Figure 12). :
Figure 12 •
Persons Below Poverty as a Percentage of Totai Population
Percent
`� 1otols.s
� S to 10
� 1 to 5 �"<::<:>::`:;:>::::>�.
❑ Oto 1 :::;�:z:::::::;:;<.;:;,..:>�
'�>;?'
, .:.:...........•::.:::...:::..::.:.
......... ... .
..........:...::.:.....
.........
..............::.:.:.:.
:.::..::..;>:•:::.:.:.
.::::::..�.........:.:.
� .,�;.�.
j''E i'
s#�
:.:,y4;r,•�';
Source:1990 Census
-13-
�
8. Family Risk Factor: Parental Dru Use and Positive Attitudes Toward Use �
9
1 il members use ille al dru ar �
f fam y g gs ound children, if there �s heavy recreational drinking in the home, or if adults in the family
involve their children in their drinking or other drug use,such as asking a chitd to get a beer or light a cigarette,the children have an
increased risk of developing problems with alcohol or other drugs. �
Parents'attitudes about teenagers' use of alcohol seem to influence their children's use of other drugs as well. Parental approval of
children's moderate drinking,even urrder parental supemision,appeared to increase the risk of children's use of marijuana.
�
Participants in town meetings expressed concern about the number of parents who support teen alcohol use by renting
motel rooms for unsupervised parties and/or providing alcohol to minors in other situations. ti
Youth and pazents in focus ou s both identified arental role models as one of the most influential factors. While the �
Sr P P
majority of parents believe that any underage drinking is unacceptable, some parents sanction occasional in-home use,
some condone use-and provide alcohol to teens, and some enable teen alcohol use by allowing opportunities for �
unsupervised gatherings and parties.
Underage drinking is okay under certain circumstances for up to a third of Dakota County adult residents surveyed. �
"When a parent or guardian is present" (32%) and "on special occasions" (27%) are the most commonly accepted
conditions for underage drinking. �
Pazents are a source of alcohol and drugs for a small number of youth in Dakota County, according to the Minnesota �
Student Survey.
• 2 percenY of 6th graders, 7 • 1 percent of students identify a �
percent of 9th graders, and 8 parent as one source for
percent of 12th graders identify obtainirtg drugs.
"a pazent" as one of their sources �
for obtaining alcohol.
�
�
9. School Risk Factor: Early Antisocial Behavior �
A relationship has been found brtu�een male aggressiveness in kindergarEen thraugh secmid grade and delinquency and teenage drug �
abuse. The risk is especially signifzcant whe :his aggressiveness is coupled urith shyness and withdrawal. About 40 percent of boys
with serious aggressive behavior problems in early elementary grad�s will develop delinquency and drug problems as teenagers.
Although we have no Dakota County data on this factor, the increasing number of non-violent conflict resolution � '
programs starting up in elementary schools suggest a growing concern.
�
�
�
�
�
-18- �
� � � � � � �
10. Schooi Risk Factor: Academic Failure
�
Children who do poorly in school beginning in approximutely the ourt
� fail in school for whatever reuson_boredom, Iack of ubiii
f h 8�'ade)rave an increased risk of abusin dru s,
early with drugs and to become regulur users of drugs in adolescence. 8 � Children who
ty,a mismatch with a poorly skilled tectcher--are more likely to experiment
� (FiThe school dropout rate is one indication of academic failure. The er
gure 16). p cent is based on totai
�'o�nent for grades 7-12
• In Dakota County, the last .
reported dropout rate for 1990-91 The dropout rate in Dakota .
County has decreased steadil The dropout rate in .Dakota
was 2.4 percent, significantly over the past several e� e y County for students of color
lower than the statewide rate of as the state rate was increasin�.�
3.2. . however,is higher than for white
�' 8 students (3.9 percent vs. 2,3
percent). For perspective, the
statewide dropout rate for
� students of color is 8.2 percent.
�
Figure 16
� Public School Dropouts: 1976-77 to 1990-91
5
�
4
�
3
'�' Minnesota
� �+ ,
4
f 2
Dakota
1
�
0
1976- 1977- 1978- 1979- 1980. 1981- 1982- 1983- 1984-
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 � 85 1985- 1986- 1987- 198& 1989-
86 87 88 g9 qp 19�
Source: Minnesota Department of Education
-19-
�
11. Schooi Risk Factor: Low Commitment to Schooi
o be �
y�t�er reason are more likely to engage in drug use• DruB users are more hkely t t
to school m''w ts Iike school,time spen �
Children who are not bonded f �1 than non-use�'s• Factors such as hou m uch studen
absent f rom school,tv cut classes,and to perfo»n P y outh .(Figure �
on
homework,and perception of the relevance of course wmk are also rela{{ts�ool°�do g some Dakota County y
The Minnesota Student Survey has evidence of low commitmen
17). .
n t like • 11 percent of 6th grad�d 38 I�
• About 1 in 5 students do percent of 9th graders,
��o�inuch or"hate"it. percent-of 12th graders report
�ng truant at least once in past �
• About 7 percent of students feel 4 Weeks. (2%, 5%, and 11%
that school people don t care at resp�ively 3 or more tunes•)
all about students. �
�
figure 17
Dakota CouMy You�Reponing �
Low CommitmeM to Schoo�
1� �100 gp
100 qp
90 80
� 70 �
80 70 p 60
�� fl � L 50 38%
°� � � 50 a � �
a � 0" `IO 3U i8%
30 20
30 17% 20% 11% �
20 16% �O 6� 7% 8� 10
0 � 12th
10 0 c� 12th 6th � �,�
� 6th 9th 12th � C� Cnade � '
� Grade C� Truant At Least Once
Believ�s School People Don't � i,�t Four Weeks
Don't Like Mnch aT Care At All About Students
Hate School
Source: 1992 Minnes�ta Student Survey
-2o-
� .
12. IndividuaVPeer Risk Factor. Alienation or Rebelliousness
��
In middle or junior high school,those students who rebel against authority,particularty their parents and school officials,and who do
� not attend church tend to be at higher risk for drug abuse than those who are bonded to the primary social groups of family,school,
church,and community.
The most seriousproblem,according to teens participating in needs assessment focus groups,is"internal family conflict."
� The Minnesota Student Survey has evidence of some risk for Dakota County youth stemmin from lack of communi I
involvement,weak family ties,and senous personal concems(Figure 18). g �
, _
�: • 35 percent of 6th and 9th aders • p g 43 • Two-thirds o.f 6th graders and
�' 29 ercent of 6th raders,
and 53 percent of 12th graders percent of 9th graders, and 45 about half of 9th and 12th
never or rarely attend religious percent of 12th graders are not graders can talk#o their fathers
� services. Similaz percentages do happy with their families. Half about their problems.
not participate in church of the 9th grade rural girls and
activities. . half of the 12th grade suburban • More than 1 in 5 students had
� boys are not happy with their suicidal thoughts in the past
• 62 percent of 6th graders, 74 families, higher than the other month, and 1 in 10 had ever
percent of 9th graders, and 77 students in Dakota County. attempted suicide. Suicide
� percent of 12th graders report no attempts are more common
volunteering or comrnunity • About 1 in 10 Dakota County among 9th graders in rural
service. students believes that their bakota County. 1 in 5 9th grade
family dces not understand them rural girls have ever attempted
� • For perspective; the lack of at all. suicide.
community involvement among
Dakota County youth is higher • 8 percent of Dakota County
� than statewide averages by 5-10 students ran away from home in
percent. the past year.
� Figure 18
Dakota County Youth
Selected Indlcators of Alienation and Rebeliiousness
�
1� 100 lUp
90 � 90
� 80 80 80 74R6 774b
70
� � 70 70 62%
ac, � � a 60
� a SO � SO 439b 459b � gp
ao a, �p
30 26% 234b 30 29% �" 4U
� 18% 30
20 20 2p
10 10 10
0 0 0
� 6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th
Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade
Suicidal Thoughts Not HaPPY No Volunteer/
� Past Month With Family Community Service
Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
�
� -21-
�
13. IndividuallPeer Risk Factor: Antisocial Behavior in Eariy Adolescence
This risk factor inctudes a wide variety of antisocial behaviors including school misbehavior and a low sense of social responsibitity.
�
Fighting,skipping school,and general aggressiveness have been shoum to be related to drug abuse.
outh re ort antisocial behaviors in the Minnesota �
Substantial numbers of Dakota County youth, panc�ularly rural y , p
Student Survey(Figure 19). �
• 12 percent of 6th graders and 32 • 28 percent of 6th graders and 40 • 45 percent of 6th graders and 44
percent of 9th graders report percent of 9th graders have been percent of 9th graders have been �:
shoplifting at least once in the involved in vandalism in the in physical fights in the past
past year, higher percentages past year. Vandalism is more year. Physical fights are more
than in 1989. Among 9th grade common among boys than girls. common aznong boys, especially
girls, shoplifting is more More than half (56%) of 9th boys in rural Dakota County, �
common in rural Dakota County grade boys, for example, have than among other youth. For
than in suburban Dakota been involved in vandalism in example,63 percent of 9th grade
County. the past year. rural boys report being in �
physical fights in the past year.
�
i ure 19 �"
Fg
Dakota County Youth Repo�ting
Early Ar�tisocial Behavior(At Least Once in Past Year) �
100 100 100
90 � � �
80 80 �
70
70 70 �
e � � � � �
a+ �' S0 45% 44%
a 50 � 50 � � �
40 32% p" � �
30 289b 30
30 20
20 12qb 20
10 10
10 � � �
� � 6th Grade 9th Grade
6th Grade 9th Grade 6th Gcac... 9th Grade
Shoplifting Vandatisn P6ysicai Fights �
Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey �
�
�
-22- . �
� 14. UdividuaVPeer Risk Factor: Friends Who Use Dru s
9
�
Association with drug-using friends during adolescence is among the strongest predictors of adolescent drug use. The evidence is
clear that inifiation into drug use happens most frequentty through the influence of close friends rather than from drug offers from
� shangers. This means fhat even children who grow up withaut other risk factors but who associate with children who use drugs are
at an increased risk for drug use and developing problems with drugs. This risk factor underscores the power of peer influence on
teenagers.
�t Students at the town meetings indicated that their perceptions were that at least 85 percent of high school students use
alcohol.
� Friends are a source of alcohol for many students, especially those in rural Dakota County, according to the Minnesota
Student Survey. Being with friends who use alcohol or drugs is also fairly common.
� • 19 percent of 9th graders and 47 • 9 percent of 9th graders and 16
percent of 12th graders get percent of 12th graders say they
alcohol from older friends. drink or do drugs because their
� Among 9th graders, getting friends da
alcohol from older friends is
more common in rural areas than • 15 percent of 9th graders and 40
� in the suburbs (32 percent for percent of 12th graders report
girls and 23 percent for boys). riding with friends who have
been drinking.
�
�
�
�
�
�
�`
�
�
�
� -23-
15. IndividuaVPeer Risk Factor. Favorable AttitudesToward Drug Use
�
Children in late elementary school often have very shong negative feelings against drugs. Yet by the time these children enter junior
�
high school,they may begin associating with peers who use drugs,and their attitudes can quickly change. This shift in attitude often
comes just before children begin to experiment with alcohol or other drugs. Research has shoum that initintion into the use of �
substances is preceded by values favorable to substance use.
Occasional alcohol use is acceptable to teens in Dalcota County,according to youth focus group participants,but drinking �
and driving are not acceptable.
These attitudes are supported in the Minnesota Student Survey(Figure 20).
�
• 16 percent of 6th graders, 45 . Among_ 9th and 12th grade
percent of 9th graders, and 71 females, those in rural schools �
percent of seniors say it is okay are more likely than those in
for teens to drink if they don't suburban schools to say it is
drive. okay to drink as long as you
don't drive. �
�
�gure 20
Dakota County Youth Reporting �
Okay to Drink If Don't Drive
100 - �
� 90
80 �71%
70
�, 60 �
�
� 50 45%
4 �40
30
20 16% �
10
0 �
6th Grade 9th Grade 12th Grade
�
Source; 1942 Minnesota Student Survey
�
�
-24 �
� 'vi uaUPeer Risk Factor: Earl First Use of Dru s
16. Udi d y 9
� t o dru use edicts subse uent misuse o dru s. The earlier the onsef of any drug use,the greater is the probabiiity of the
Early onse f g p�' q f 8
individual's involvement in other drug use,the frequency of use,�anct their involvement in devianf activities such as crime and selling
� drugs. Children who begin to use drugs before age 15 are turice as likely to develop problems with drugs than are children who wait
unril they are older.
More than a quarter of the Dakota County students in the Minnesota Student Survey reported first using alcohol or drugs
� before age 15. ('The others never used alcohol or drugs or started at age 15 or older.)(Figure 21)
;� • 12 percent of 6th graders, 44 • Among 12th grade boys, rural
percent of 9th graders, and 33 youth are more likely than
percent of 12th graders first used suburban youth to use alcohol or
� alcohol or drugs before age 15. drugs before age 15 (44% vs.
� 32%).
• Among all 9th graders, rural
youth are more likely than
� suburban youth to use alcohol or
drugs before age 15 (56% vs.
41%).
�
�
� Fgure 21
Dakota CouMy Youth RepoKing
rst Used Alcohol or Drugs Before Age 15
�
100
� 90
80
'� 70
60
a
� v 50 44%
a �
33%
� 30
20
1 %
� 10
0
� 6th 9th Grade 12th Grade
Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
�
_25-
�
PROTECTIVE FACTORS �
Some youngsters who ase exposed to II1dIVIdU81 Ch81'8Ct@flStICS
multiple risk factors do nof become �
substance abusers,juvenile delinquents, This report does not contain
dropouts or teen parents. Balancing the �ormation on individual protective
risk factors are protective factors—aspects factors specifically for Dakota �
of people's livPs that counter risk factvrs Co�{�,, �g�eral:
or provide buffers against them. They
protect by either reduczng the impact of . Gender: Given equal exposure to �
` the risks or by changing the way a ris�, �s are more likely than girls
person responds to the risks. A key to develop substance abuse problems
strategy to counter risk factors in young in adolescence.
people's lives is to enhance protective �
factors that promote positive behavior, . A resilient temperamenf: Young
health,well-being and personal success. people who have the ability to adjust
to or recover from misfortune or �
Research indicates that protective facfors change are at reduced risk.
fall into three basic categories:
• A positive social orien#ation: �
T. Individual characteristics, such as Youngsters who are good-natured,
gender, intelligence, femperament, �j� social interactions, and elicit
and social skills. positive aftention from others are at
reduced risk �
2. Bonding, including family, school,
community,and peer suppvrt, • Intelligence; Bright children are less
likety to become delinquent or drop �
3. Healthy Beliefs and Clear �t ofschool. However,infelligence
Standards, including family rules does not protect against substance
and goal-directed behavior. abuse. �
The DAP Needs Assessment
Committee noted that protective
factors are just now receiving the �
amount of attention given to risk
factors; consequently, there is less ,
information avaiiable on the �
protective factors among Dakota
County's youth.
�
�
�
�
�.
' �
-26-
�
� Bonding
� Children who are attached to positive families,friends,school and community and who are cnmmitted to achieving the goals zralued
by these groups are less likely to develop problems in adolescence.
Results from the Minnesota Student Survey for Dakota County can be useful in assessing some of the opportunities for,
� and manifestations of,bonding.
� 1. Protective Factor: Family Support
� Dakota o
C unty youth appeaz to have strong family support,but family support appears to decrease as youths get older
(Figure 22).
� • 71 ercent of 6th raders 57 • 84
p g , percent of 6th graders; 72
percent of 9th graders, and 55 percent of 9th graders, and 71
� gercent of 12th graders say their percent of 12th graders are able
family makes them"very happy." to talk with their mothers about
problems"some"or"most"of the
� • 95 percent of 6th graders and 88 time. Fathers,on the other hand,
percent of 9th and 12th graders were viewed as less accessible,
feel their parents care about particularly forfemale students.
them"quite a bit,"
�.
� p
igure Z2
Dakota County Youth
� Family Support Protective Facto�s
� 100 100 9596 100
90 � 8896 8896 90 84%
80 71% 80 gp
70 72% 71%
� �� 70
0 60 S7% SS9fo c 6(1 c (Q
� 50 °7
� � SO � sp
� � � 4 � 4 �
. 30 30 30
�� 20 2p
10 10 10
� � p
0
6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th
C� Grade Giade Grade Giade Grade (�,� � C,�
� Family Makes Them Feels Parents Care Able to Talk With Mother
"Very Happy" "Qnite a Bit" or ^Very Much^ About Problems Some or
Most of the Time
�
Sonrce: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
�
� -27-
2. Protective Factor: School Support
�
airl weak rotective factor in Dakota Coun ,es for boys,based on the available �
School support appears to be a f y p h' P�llY
evidence.
• 54 ercent of 6th graders, 43 • About half of the students report �
P
percent of 9th graders, and 37 liking school "quite a bit" or
percent of 12th graders feel that very much." Girls are more �
school people care about them 'likely than boys to report likutg
„quite a bit"or"very much." school(54%vs.43%).
�
�
�
�
3. Protective Factor: Community Support
�
t dro s off as the et older. �
Coaununity support appears#o be fairly strong foryounger cluldren,bu p y S
�
• 3 in 10 6th graders and 2 in 10 � 31 percent of 6th graders, 24 • 80 percent of 6th graders, 66
9th and 12th graders report that percent of 9th graders, and 23 percent of 9th graders,and 56 ,
volunteering makes them happy. percent of 12th graders spend at percent of 12th graders spend at �
least one hour per week in school least one hour per week doing
• Two-thirds of 6th and 9th or community activities. These "creative activities."
graders attend religious services levels of participation are lower � �
monthly or more,compared with than the state averages. • Boys are much more likely than
about half of 12th graders. girls to spend time in organized
• About 7 in 10 6th and 9th graders sports, and girLs are much more �
• Similarly, two-thirds of 6th and and about half of 12th graders likely thar �oys to spend time
9th graders spend at least one spend at least one hour per week doing"creative activities."
hour per week doing church in organized sports. �
activities, compared with 40
percent of 12th graders.
�
�
�
-� �
� � � � �
4. Protective Factor: Peer Support
� Based on the available information r su ort re a azs fairl weak in
,pee pp 1 ted to abstauung from alcohol and drug use appe y
Dakota County,especially for older teens tFigure 23).
� • Three quarters of Dakota County • 37 percent of 6th raders, 29
8
youth feel that their friends care percent of 9th graders, and 17
� about them "quite a bit" or "very percent of 12th graders say they
much." don't use alcohol or other drugs
because their"friends don't use.°
• 26 percent of 9th graders and 8
� percent of 12th graders say they
don't ride with drinking or drug -
using friends because, "Their
� friends don't use alcohol or
drugs.°
�
� Figuro 23
Dakote County Youth Protective Factor
Peer Support for Non-Use
� 100 .
90
� 80
70
� 60
C
�i s�
�' a
40 379'°
30 29%
� 2p 17%
� 10
0
6th 9th 12th
� � � ��
Don't Use Alcohol or Other Drugs
� Because "Friends Don't Use"
�
Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
�
��
-29-
�
Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards �
The people with whom children bond need to have clear, positive standards for behavior. The content of these standards is what
protects young people.
5. Protective Factor: Family Rules and Standards
�
The understanding and acceptance of family rules and standards appears to be fairly good among Dakota County youth,
�
but pazental communication and follow-through appeaz to be quite weak(Figure 24).
�
• About 7 in 10 students say their • About I in 5 students say their
parents' rules are "somewhat" or parents have talked with them �
'very"fair and reasonable. "quite a bit" about teenage
alcohol and drug use.
• 50 percent of 6th graders, 63 �
percent of 9th graders, and 66 • 28 percent of 6th graders, 22
percent of 12th graders know percent of 9th graders, and 17
"exactly" how their parents feel percent of 12th graders say their
about teenage drinking. parents follow through with �
consequences"all of the time."
�
Figure 24 �
Dakota CouMy Youth Reporting
Family Rules and Standarc�Protective Factors
1� �
lOQ
90 90
80 80 �
70 70
a � � �
w
� 50 50
a' 40 40
28% �
30 22% 30 22qc 19% 20%
2p 17% 20
10 10
0 0 �6th 9th 12th 6th 9th 12th
Giade Gzade Ca�ade Grade Giade Gcade
Parents Follow Throngh Parents Have Talked �
With Consequences With Them "Quite a Bit"
"All of the Time" Abont Teenage AlcohoVDrug Use
Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey �
" �
-3a
�
6. Protective Factor: Goal-Directed Behavior
�a n av
sed o the ailable uiformat�on,the behavior of Dakota County youth appears to be fairly goal-directed(Figure 25).
'�• About three-quarters say that • About half of 6th and 9th graders
doing well in school makes them and 42 percent of 12th graders
"very haPPY•�� spend a minimum of 6 hours per
� week an homework
+ 80-90 percent are satisfied with
themselves on the whole and feel • 38 percent of 6th graders, 26
� their lives aze"useful." percent of 9th graders, and 23
percent of 12th graders spend at
least 1 hour per week doing
- volunteer or community service.
�
� Figure 25
Dakota County Youth Reporting
� Volunteer or Community Service
� 100
90
� 80
70
� � �
C
w
� 50
p" 38%
� �
30 26°!0 23%
� 20
10
� O
6th 9th 12th
C�ade Grade Grade
� Spends At Least One Honr Per Week
Doing Volunteer or Community Service
�� Source: 1992 Minnesota Student Survey
�
�
� -31-
. � � \ . � � . . � � � � . � � � .
� 30 AssETs
� �
ASSET TYPE I ASSET NAME ASSET DEFINITION
� 1. Family support Family life provides high levels of love and support
2. Pazent(s)as social resources Student views parent(s)as accessible resources for advice and
support
� � 3. Parent communication Student has frequent,in-depth conversations with parent(s)
�
SuPPORT 4. Other adult resources Student has access to non-parenradults for advice and support
� I 5. Other adult communication , Student has frequent,in-depth conversations with non-
parent adnits
6. Parent involvement in schooling ; Parent(s)aze involved in helping student succeed in school
� 7. Positive school climate School provides a caring,encouraging environment
8. Parental standards Parent(s)have standards for appropriate conduct
� 9. Parental discipline Parent(s)discipline student when a rule is violated
CONTROL 10. Parental manitoring Parent(s)monitor"where I am going and with whom I will be"
� I 11. Time at home ; Student gces out for"fun and recreation"3 or fewer nights per
i
week
12. Positive peer influence � Student's best friends model responsible behavior
� �
i13. Involved in music Student spends 1 hour or more per week in music uaining or
pracdce
� STRUGI'URED � 14. Involved in school extra- Student spends 1 hour or more per week in school sports,
TIME USE I curricular activities � ctubs,or organizations
15. Invoived in community Student spends 1 hour or more per week in organizations or
� organizadons or activities clubs outside of school
� 16. Involued in church or synagogue ' Student spends 1 hour or more per week attending programs or
� services
� i
I 17. Achievement motivation : Student is motivated to do well in school
� EDUCATIONAL � 18. Educational aspitation Swdent aspires to pursue post-high school education(e.g.,uade
COMMITMENT � school,college)
I19. School perfocmanee Student reports school performance is above average
� ' 20. Homework Student reports 6 hours or more of homework per week
I21. Values helping people Student places high personal value on heiping other people
� POSITTVE i 22. Is concerned about world hunger Student reports interest in helping to reduce world hunger
VALUES i 23. Cares about peopie's feelings Student cazes about other people's feelings
I24. Values sexual restraint Student values postponing sexual acdviry
� �
� 25. Assertiveness skilis Student reports ability to"stand up for what I believe"
� � 26. Decision-making skills Student reports"I am good armaking decisions"
SOCIAL � 27, Friendship-making skills Student reports"I am good at making friends"
CoMpETENCE � 2g p�anning skills . Student reports"I am good at planning ahead°
� � 29. Self-esteem Student reports high self-esteem
� 30. Positive view of personal future Student is optimisdc about his/her personal future
�
� Adapted from Benson.P.(1993).The Troubled Journey:A Portrait of 6th-12th Grade Youth. Minneapolis;Search Instituu.
—33—
�
, ZO AT-RISK INDICATORS
�
AT-RISK AT RISK �
DOMAIN INDICATOR DEFINTTION
1.Frequent alcohol use Has used alcohol6 ormore ames"in the last 30 days" �
ALCOHOL
2.Binge drinking Has had 5 or more drinks in a row,once or more"in the last 2
weeks" �
. 3.Daily cigazette use Smokes 1 or more cigarettes per day
TOBACCO �
4.Frequent chewing tobacco use Has used 20 or more times"in the last 12 months"
ILLICIT 5.Frequent use of illicit drugs Has used marijuana,cocaine or crack,PCP,LSD,amphetamines, �
DRUGS heroin or other narcotics b or more times"in the last 12 months"
6.Sexually active Has had sexual intercourse 2 or more times �
SEXUALITY
7.Non-use of contraceptives Is sexually active,and self or partner dces not always use
contraceptives �
8.Depression Is sad or depressed"most of the time"or"all of the time"
DEPRESSION/ �
SUICIDE 9.Attempted suicide Has attempted suicide once or more
10.Vandalism Destroyed property"just for fun,"2 or more times"in the last 12 �
months"
11.Group fighting Took part in a fight between two groups or gar.gs,2 or more times
ANTI- '•in the last 12 monihs" �
SOCIAL 12.Police trouble Got into trouble with the police,2 or more times"in the last 12
BEHAVIOR months"
13.Theft Stole something from a store,•2 or more times"in the last 12 �
months"
14.Weapon use Used knife,gun,or other weapon"to get something from a
person,"2 or more times"in the last 12 months" �
15.School absenteeism Skipped school 2 or more days"in the last month"
SCHOOL �
16.Desire to drap out Wants to quit school before completing high school
17.Driving and drinking Has driven after drinking,2 or more times"in the lasi year" �
VEHICLE
SAFETY ]8.Riding and drinking Has ridden with a driver who had been drinking,2 or more times
"in the last year"
19.Seat belt non-use Dces not use seat belts"all"or"most"of the time �
OTHER 20.Bulimia Vomits on purpose after eating,once a week or more
� �
�
Adapted from Benson,P. The Troubled Journey:A National Ponrait of 6th-12th Gracie Youth.Minneapolis:Search Institute. �
—34—
� DAKOTA GOUNTY, 1990 CENSUS
Total RESIDENCE iN 1985 RESIDENCE lN 1985
� Porsons Numba� Parcant
�5
and Sama Diffarant DHf�raM Mpls or Sama Diffarent Different Mpis or
� ovar Housa Housa Cou�r St Paul Housa Housa County St.Paul
Sama i�US Sama in US
CouMy County
` � RURAL GROUP
Castla Rock township 1362 928 234 200 22 689G 17% 15% 2
� Coatas city 157 88 47 22 3 589G 30% 1496 2
Dougias township 602 426 124 52 0 T176 219L 9%
Empira township 1223 704 288 229 18 58% 24% 1996 1
Euraka township 1294 906 239 149 23 7096 1896 1296 2
� Farmington city 5336 2652 165T 1002 176 5096 3196 1996 3
Groanvala township 689 547 71 T1 0 799G 10% 10% 0
Hampton city 305 200 70 35 9 6696 23% 11% 3
� Hampton township 749 527 156 66 14 70% 21% 99a 2
Hastings city(Pt.) 14193 7350 4106 2667 404 52% 29% 1996 3
Marshan township 1179 713 252 209 12 6096 2196 18% t°
Miesville city 127 119 2 6 2 94% 296 5% 2
� New Trier city 115 75 14 26 0 65% 1296 23% 0
Nininger township 75T 476 202 71 4 63% 27% 9% 1
Nonhfiald city(PL) 147 35 10 102 4 24% 7% 699G 3
Randolph city 282 184 46 52 5 85X 16% 1896 2
� Randolph township 455 328 29 96 17 72% 696 21% 4
Ravanna township 1762 1177 303 282 28 679G 17% 16% 2
Rosamount ciry 76T1 3282 2029 2232 373 43% 2696 2996 5
� Sciota township 207 126 21 60 2 61% 1096 29% 1
Varmillion city 481 354 54 73 6 74% 11�6 1596 1
Vermiilion township 1086 762 196 120 16 70%, 18% 11% 1
Watarford townshi 429 2T2 29 128 4 �'1� � 30`� 1
� TOTAL 40608 22231 10179 T950 1142 5596 25% 2096 3
� SUBURBAN GROUP _
APPb Vailay city 3139t 13962 6792 10253 2570 44% 22% 33% 8
Bumsvilk city 46642 19663 797� 18677 4274 42% 17% 4096 9
� Eayan city 42102 14052 7681 19829 640� 33% 18% 47% 15
Invar Grova Haiflhts cit 20366 10181 4956 5147 2117 5076 2496 2596 1
Lakavilla City 21902 8872 5241 7715 1688 41% 2496 35% 8
� ulydala city 53s 185 100 253 120 34x 19% a7% 22
Mandota ciry 68 17 51 0 0 25% 75% Q°=
Mandota Haights ciy 8786 5165 1246 2314 1375 59% 14% 2656 16�
South Si Paul city 18648 11331 4216 301� 1153 81 X 2396 1696 '6
� Sunfish Laka city 438 248 66 124 100 577L 159G 28% 23
Wast St Paul 18158 10266 3266 4497 2265 57% 18% 25% 12
TOTAL 209039 93942 41594 71828 22069 45% 20% 34% 11
�
Wilder Research Center
�
�
� -35—
�
�
� Number Total Pe�ent
Below Population Below
Poverry Poverty
�
RURAL C,ROUP
� Castfe Rodc township 49 1477 3.39G
Coates ciry 4 18t 22°�
Douglas township 63 671 9.496
� Empire township 85 1324 6.4�
Eureka township 43 1405 3.1%
Farmington city 180 5854 3.1°�6
� Greenvale township 37 735 5.0%
Ham pton ci ry 58 351 16.5°�
Hampton township 32 826 3.9%
� Hastings aty (pL) 746 14929 5.0°,6
Marshan township 84 1264 6.6°,6
Miesville aty 0 129 0.096
� New Trier ary 17 134 12796
Nininge�township 2 792 0.396
Northfieid ary(pL) 0 1 G9 0.096
� Randolph ary 8 307 269G
Aandolph township 9 485 1.99L
Ravenna township 54 1903 28%
Rosemount ary 433 8599 5.096
Sciota township 24 233 1Q.3R'.
Vermiilion dty 4 549 Q7X
VQrtnillion township 56 1172 �.8'G
� Waterford township 17 454 3.7�G
TOTAL 2005 43943 4.8X
� SUBURBAN GROUP ,
� ApPle Valley city 1198 34329 3.596
Bumsville city 2142 51030 4.2X
Eagan ciry 1336 47288 28X
� Inver Grove Heights dty 1601 22158 7.29L
Lakeviile aty 750 24787 3.07L
Ulydale city 6 551 1.1'�L
� Mendota city 3 72 42X
Mendota Heights city 150 9419 i.6'�6
South SL Paul aty 1503 20023 7.59G
� Sunfish Lake city 9 460 20X
West SL Paul city 1027 18934 5.4X
TOTAL. 9725 229051 42X .
� _
� -36-
�
DAKOTA ALIIANCE FOR ��REVEI��TI4N
33 East Wentworth#345, West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118
j�/� p Telephone: 612�50-2902 Fax: 612�50-2948
LL�1
"USTENING TO DAKOTA COUNTY"
PARENT AND YOUTH FOCUS GROUPS �REED THAT:
H F WIN A BL N
1. YOUTH ALCOHOL USE IS A SERIOUS PFi06LEM.
2. ALCOHOL IS READILY AVAILABLE TO MINORS.
3. ADULT ATTITUDES ABOUT YOUTH ALCOHOL USE ARE NOT
CONSISTENT---SOME PROHIBIT, SOME SANCTION, SOME
CONDONE, AND SOME ENABIE.
4. TEENS NEED MORE POSITIVE ADULT ROLE MODELS.
(TEENS GIVE THIS MORE IMPORTANCE THAN DO PARENTS.I
5. FAMILIES DO NOT SPEND ENOUGH TIME TOGE?HER.
6. YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE T00 MUCH UNSUPERVISED LEISURE TIME.
L NG MIGHT BE HELPFUL:
� 1. DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF UNSUPERVISED LEISURE TIME AND INCREASE THE OPPORTUNITIES
FOR 1NTERGENERATIONAL BONDING AND POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT BY:
� -COMMUNITY MEMBERS IADULTS�,Q YOUTH►TAKING INVENTORY OF EXISTING RESOURCES
AND PROMOTING COLLABORATIVE WAYS TO EXPAND ACCEPTABLE. ACCESSIBLE,AND
AFFORDABLE ACTIVITIES FOR FAM{UES AND YOUTH.
� -INCREASING YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES, AND CROSS AGE
AND PEER TEACHING ANO MENTORING. ICROSS AGE INCLUDES TEENS TEACHING ADULTS.)
� 2. ENHANCE PEER SUPPORTS FOR PARENTS THAT DO�,Z COMPETE WITH TIME SPENT WITH
CHILDREN, I.E. WORK PLACE,TELEPHONE HOTLINES, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, MEDIA PROGRAMS
AND NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS.
� 3. INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ADUITS MODEUNG CONSISTENT, FAIR ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS,
RULES, AND NORMS, INCLUDING RESPONSIBIE USE OF ALCOHOL.
� �
PARENTS AND YOUTH DISAGREED ABOUT:
� 1. TEENS CONSIDER ADULTS TO BE MORE INFLUENTIAL THAN PARENTS DO.
2. TEENS WANT PARENTS TO LEARN TO BE BETTER USTENERS BUT PARENTS WANT TO
� LEARN HOW TO SET AND ENFORCE RULES.
3. TEENS WANT MORE TIME WITH RARENTS, BUT PARENTS WANT MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
� COMMUNICATING WITH THEIR PEERS.
From "Listeninp to Dakota County" Focus Group Study of 11 proups of parents and 14 flroups of junior and
� senior hiflh school students trom 10 suburban and rurai communities in Dakota County in 1993. For
additional information, contact the DAKOTA AWANCE FOR PREVENTION.
�
� -37-
� ■ ■ \
L�stening to Youth : Summary
` Reducing Alcohoi, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems in Dakota County
DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION - Focus Group Results
` INTRODUCTION and money (both the lack of and too they would use several strategies.
1n 1991, Dakota County received a muchl. First they would spend time with
five-year community partnership them and be available to listen to
� grant for alcohol and other dru� Attitudes about Alcohol � their concerns. Dnce they've
abuse prevention from the Center of Teens indicate that alcohol use established the secure friendship,
Substance Abuse Prevention among youth is prevalent and they might seek additional help for
� ICSAPI. The g�ant resulted in the occurs in a wide variety of settings. them by going with them to an adult
development of the Dakota Alliance Although most teens view to discuss the problem. Under some
for Prevention (DAP). This study, occasional use of alcohol by older circumstances they may even talk to
which was sponso�ed by DAP, teens as acceptable, the parents of their friend. Another
� examines the perceptions of younp excessive use or drinkinp and stratepy is to te0 about bad
people in Dakota County about the drivinp are seen as unacceptable for experiences or to seek out another
problem of tobacco, alcohol and adults and youny peopls. Some younp person who has been a user
� other drup use as well as prevention teens consider alcohol as a pateway and has turned himself or herself
efforts and campaigns. All of the to harder drups and more serious around.
focus groups, with the exception of problems. �
those conducted at the Probation Influentiat Adults
� Services Center, were conducted by Preve�tive Strate�ies While parents and friends are seen
younp people. One of the.most f�equently as the most influential peopte in
mentioned preventive stratepies is youth decisions about alcohol and
� DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY the example set by parents. Teens other d�ups, othe�adults can have a
The focus proup participants were are impressed when parents are major impact. Inf{uential adults are
83 junior and senior high school consistent and model what they those who show respect, fairness,
� students who participated in one of preach. But the role model is not and consistency in enforcing rules
14 focus �roup interviews. The sufficient by itself because the and provide positive role models
focus proups were conducted parent must also communicate throu�h their own behavior. They
between March 2 and April 8, effectively with their child. The mipht include school administrators,
' 1993, in various parts of Dakota parent must show their children that teachers, coaches, employers or
County. Each group was tape they are loved and that the parent is youth worlcers.
recorded and carefully analyzed. concemed about them.
Realistic Messapes
� STUDY FINDINGS Advice to Parents Speakers who use scare tactics are '
Teens in the focus proups had some sometimes effective in influencing
� The Most Serious Problems advice for improvin� communication younp people. These are people at
The most serious problem, in the with parents. Communication must school assemblies or other events
minds of many Dakota County include careful listeninp with who tell stories that are plausible
teens, is intemal family conflict. practical advice and avoidance of and believable, yet graphically
� Inftequent, ineffective nappinp or lectures. Parents mipht describe the consequences of use of
communication within families is a introduce the topic of chemical use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
source of great frustration to younp in casual conversation. Parents Some speakers who have tumed
� people. Parents are so busy should talk openly and honestly and themselves around are considered
achievin�financial security tMat they use examples of consequences of credible because they speak from
may not have adequate time with what can happen with chemical use. experience.
� their children. Younp people value Some teens sugpested that pa�ents
their families and worry about should talk to their child like they Rules a�e Important
instability and divorce. would to a concemed friend. Teens talk about the positive
Parents could tell stories about their influence of a supportive family and
/ Alcohol use was also frequently own experiences to make their of having parents who make and
identified as a serious problem for children more at ease. , enforce rules. Rules are importa�i
teens throughout the county. Other but must be considered �easonable
� common concems are tobacco use, Helpinp Other Teens by the teen to be effective. The
violence, drugs, peer pressure, If teens want to help a friend who amount of rules needed depends on
was usinp alcohol or other drups the child.
� -38-
s�e and peer teachiny and role �
Keep Teens Busy •Teens need and waM factu�l modelin�.
An effective preventive stratepy is infom�ation about�cohol and othe�
keeping teens busy. This could dru9s but the intensity of achool- • Prevention proy�ams like DARE �
include employment or community based prevention pro�rams declines should be extended throu�h middie
service to help them feel they are after elementary schooi. Some school.
contributing something to others. scare tactics are effective.
Teens see a need for more + Members of the DAP and focus �
inexpensive, accessible sports, • Media, music and rock concerts �roup moderators should freely
hobbies and recreational activities in present probiems. Media share information obtained in this
their locai communities. emphasizes the desirabie features of study. This wili help raise �
alcohol and tobacco. Some music awareness and rnay start'actions
STUDY THEMES promotes use of chemicals and lack that launch improved preventive
of respect of parents and efforts. �
•Teens are concemed about their authorities.
families and worry about issues like •The DAP ahould encouraqe
divorce. SUGGESTIONS continued listeniny efforts within
the community. Listeninp is a �
•Alcohol is a serious problem and is • Parents need to apend more time bepinninp step in identifyin�
resdily available. Othe�dru�s are with their teens. workable solutions and those
easy to obtain throughout the volunteers who participated in �
county. • Parents shouldn't pive up on their conductinp focus�roups mipht
children when there are conflicts consider conductin� future
• Teens are acceptiny of peers who and problems and ahould take discussions. This may be of �
never use or occasionally use advanta�e of oppoKunities to particular importance to teens.
aicohoi but less so of those who improve tt�eir communication sk�is. These topics are deemed important
uae slcohol or other dru�s on a to teens a�d the respectFul and
re�ular basis. Teens view excessive •Teens could take the leadership in systematic seekinp of information �
use, by adults or youth, and drivin� teachin� parents to communicate and sha�i�p was considered both
after drinkiny as unacceptabie. with their children. Teens could productive and enjoyable.
model communication atratepies, �
• Parents are more influential than conduct skits of effective and ' ' ` t `
they may think but need help with ineffective dialo�ues, and provide The#ollowinp teens conuibuted
communication. Teens acknowled�e helpful tips and suppestions to considerable time and effon in
that most parents care but are so parents. conductinp focus proup: '
busy that they don't have time to
listen to the experiences of the • Esch comnwnity should inve�rtory Thanks ta
younp person. Many teens report tht ava�ab�ity of inexpensive, Jennifer Be�p Dave Boyum �
that parents are not effective at accessible, chemical free activities Matt Dempsey Danen Lane
talkinp with teens. for teens. Local oificials mipht Hector Martinez Kjerstin Moody
work to�ether with parents and •Linh N�uyen Teri Shinptedecker ,
•Teens want parents, and other teens irr�preparinp this assessment. Saenp Sisomphou
adults, to fairly set and enforce The inventory must take into and to
reasonable rules. account not only the absolute Mary MoMapne &Karen Lindberg
number of activities but how the �
• Other adults, includiny teachers, teens pe�ceive them. Special appreciation is extended to
coaches, employers, and youth the 83 teens from throughout
lesders can play critical roles but • Schools, churches and other Dakota County who willinDly shared �
they must have eamed the �espect commun'rty 9roups shouid work their ideas and thouphts.
of the teens. Adults seem to be to�ether to develop and promote
unaware of their potential influence more inexpensive social and For more information �
o�the lives of teens with whom rec�eational opportunities fcr teens. To obtain a detailed report of the
they come in contact. Double "Listeninp to Youth" or'Ustening to
standards and poor role models • Encoura�e the creation of more Parents" focus �roup study, contact
jeopardize the positive messages jobs and community service the �
adults could offer. opportunities for youn� peopla. Dakota Alliance for P�evention
33 E. Wentworth Ave., West
• Boredom and too much • Schools and communkies should St. Paul, MN 55118. �
unsupervised leisure time accelerate expand the opportunities for cross Phone (6121 450-2902.
chemical use amony teens.
-39- �
� \
■ ■
L�sten � n to Parents : �umma�,
1
g
Reducing Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems in Dakota County
� DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION - Focus Group Results
SINTRODUCTION Parents are concemed about their �uidefines, rules and expectations
in 1991, Dakota County received a children's unsupervised time. and foilow throuph whh
five•year community partnership Pare�ts feel that probiems are consequences. Several parents
prant for alcohol and other drup likely to smerpe when younp emphasize the importance of
� abuse prevention from the Center peopie are left unsupenrised or parent child communications. it is
of Substance Abuse Prevention when parents don't know where important that younp people be
(CSAP). The grant resulted in the their teens are or who they're with. given the reasons why alcohoi and
� development of the Dakota Alliance In these situations it becomes easy other drup use is danperous and
for Prevention (DAP). This study, for teens to use alcohol and other should not be used. Just sayinp
which was sponsored by DAP, drups. Most parents indicate that 'no" doesn't work.
' examines the perceptions of alcohol use is a problem but they
parents in Dakota County about feel that other parents tend to Parents recopnize that younp
the problem of tobacco, alcohol ipnore it. Some parents have people need inexpertsive or f�ee
and other drup use as well as considerable concem about recreational or socisl altematives.
' prevention efforts and campaipns. drinkinp at the junior hiph IeveL These could be family oriented or
Alcohol is a bi�per problem than just tarpeted to teens. Parents can
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY other drups because it is easier to have a role in planninp and
� The focus proup participants were Oet. There is some concem that encoura�in� adoption of these
alcohol serves as a �ateway to within the cornmunity.
61 parents who participated in one other illepal dru�s.
of 11 focus proup interviews. The
� focus proups were conducted As parents, they feel it is important
between February 25 and April 15, Teen Drinkin� to stress honesty and openness so
1993, in various parts of Dakota Parents are concemed that teens that their children wiU feel
County. consume alcohol almost anywhere encouraped to talk wi�them.
� and at anytime. This includes in the
home, at school (both junior and in all proups, parents indicate that
STUDY FINDINGS senior hiph), at parties, in parks, in settinp a poad example is the best
cars or at aportinp events. It way to influence their children's
� The Most Serious Problems includes virtually any place where attitudes toward use of alcohoL
These parent proups have differinp there is no adult supervision or in What the youn� people see at
., views about the problems families homes where parents allow minors .home is usually what they will da
face in their communities. to drink. To some it was important to
Foremost for some are the financial remain active in their children's
and economic pressures to Alcohol and other drufls are readily lives by "turni�p the N off" a�d
� maintain their standard of livinp. A available to teens. Parents say that spendinp more time with them.
similarity amonp the parent�roups some steal alcohol from liquor Some further suess the need to
is the lack of control parents feel cabinets at home o�pet older teach lessons of responsibility at a
� when dealinfl with their teen ape siblinps or other adults to buy it for early ape and not wait until they
children. This is expressed in them. One Qroup indicated that are sixteen.
several ways. Parents have less some bars will even sell alcohol to
itime to be involved with their minors. Teens know which bars P�eventive Strstepias
children because of other time and liquor stores will sell to them Peer influence is considered to be
demands when both parents work, � or know the adults who are willinp amonp the most influential forces
leadinp to teens beinp to buy it for them. affactinp teens. Parents find it
' unsupervised when they come , difficuk to stress and enforce
home from school. A feelin� of Parent Strategies values and rules that differ from
beinp isolated from other Parents have a number of ideas that of their children's best friends.
� supportive adults contributes to the about what ihey could do to help
pare�ts' perception of limited teens resist the use of alcohol and Schoot personnel are seen as
control of teen behaviors. other drups. They feel it is havinp the bippest influence on
important for parents to set teens besides parents and peer .
� -40-
proups. In particular, parents • Parents a�e reasonably hopeful. �
mentioned coaches and teachers The problem of chemical use • pffer parent education options,
who show a special interest in the amon�teens is a chalienpe but can b� Nrith attention to �eaching
teen's life. be addressed. Parentinp time and parents who ordinarily don't attend,
skills a�e critical. Also parents need these sessions.
In addition, some parents feel that to be aware of the pressures on
churches, schools and employers younp people today. • Encourape the development of �
should work together more to accessible parent support
reinforce what the other says • Community attitudes toward resources includinp work place
about alcohol and dru� use. adult slcohol use are relatively parent networks, parent telepho�e ,
Employers can have a unique consistent. While a number of hotline, and culturally specific
impact on teens because of the parents choose not to personally materials.
rules and �equirements of the work drink, they feel that the
place. community, in peneral, sanctions
adult use of alcohol. h is lepal and • Encourage communication among�
Some parents also identify the the community deems it acceptable parents.
positive influence of other parents if it is controlled and in moderation.
on their child�en. Sometimes Drinkinp and driving is clearly an • Build on the strenpths within the �
children like to talk to an adult who excessive use and is deemed not ethnic and cultural communities of
is not their parent and some adults acceptable. Dakota County to support �
have the capacity and opportunity prevention prop�ams for you��
to be effective listeners. When this • Comrrwnity values on teen use of peOp1e,
occu�s these adults have a positive alcohol are not consistent. A�an�e
influence on other people's of views surfaced in the focus • Adults who are influential in �
children. p�oups. A sizeable number of
parents feel that no use of alcohol Preventive efforts such as teachers
Support for Parents � is acceptable until age 21. A or coaches should be told of their
Parents have sugpestions on second catepory is parents who Positive role and encoura�ed to �
supportiny pa�ents: sanction occasional, in-home use continue their eiforts.
• More parent education associated with special events. A _
opportunities �ird catepory is parents who • The DAP should encourape �
• Better communication between condone teen use of alcohol and, co�tinued listehin� efforts within
pa�ents in some cases, purChase and the community.
• Buitd on strenpths in mino�ity provide it to teens. Throuphout the �
communities cor�tinuum of values a�e parents ' ' ' ' *
• Provide work place support for who enable teens to use alcohol by The followi�� individuals
parents allowinp opportunities for �onducted focus proups.Wthout �
unsupervised patherinps a�d their help and talent, this report
STUDY THEMES parties. would not be possible.Thanks to:
Gina Adasiewicz Margaret Dixon
• Parents are concemed about SUGGESTIONS Sue Gehrz Mep Groye ,
alcohol and dru� use. Karen Lindberp Mary Montagne
Virtually all parents are concemed • Each community should Cindi Moody Pep Olso�
about alcohol a�d drup use and inventory the availability of Maria Pana Shari Prest
some feel powerless to deal wi..� inexpensive rec�eational activities Gloria Rosario Khambay 5ivonpsay�
this situation. Some aduhs a�e for teens. Mary Vos Blong Xiong
more troubled about financial or Leslie Yunker
family crises, but all have at least • EncouraDe creation of jobs and Special appreciation is extended to�'
some concem about alcohol and, community service opportunities mg 61 parents from throuphout
to a lesser extent, other drups. for youn� people. Dakota County who willinply
shared their ideas and thouphts. �
• Parents are knowled�eable about • Consider chanpinp school
f�..• i � � � � � � �
the environment of their children. schedules to enabfe junior and hiph
In �ene�al, the parents who school students to qo later and For more information '
participated are aware of and stay longer at schooL To obtain a detailed report of the
concemed about easy access to "listeninp to Parents" or
alcohol and other drups and about � Review and perhaps enhance the "Listeninp to Youth`focus group
lack of enjoyable alternatives for school activity bus schedule to study, contact the Dakota Alliance �
youth. allow teens to participate fully in for Prevention, 33 E. Wentworth
after school events. Ave., West St. Paul, MN 55118,
phone 16121 450-2902. �
-41-
��,�� :
� ����,� t ■ AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE A SIN�LE
� ������� � �` MESSAGE: NO ILLEGAL USE OR ABUSE OF
� � I F��r�€���
����� `� � f ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS.
������ �
� ■ COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUNDS (SEED MONEY�
� �� �� HOW YOU CAN BECOME INVOLVED
� � �� ° � � � � e���� �
� � � _.._ � _� a, r
``°�, � -` � T �-
�-,, ```� PREVENTION . . . - ■ ENHANCE PARENT/CHILD COMMUNICATION ■ ORGANIZE A PREVENTION ACTIVITY
����t"�������i�`` �` � � '
''''�.� IT S EVERYBODY S BUSINESS j ' IN YOUR AREA
����� ��� � � � � � � �� � � � '�� • WORK WITH LOCAL COALITIONS
� -�-�-�--� � By combini�g�resources,
�°�� �'�� �'�������°'� ���� ��� � • START OR f OIN A LOCAL COALITION
����!����������� strengths,and expertise,
_�.� �--�--�- ■ YOUTN SUMMIT
� �`�""W � Dakot� County citizens
������'�'�� _ " " � ATTEND A DAP PARTNERSHIP MEETING
���'�������`���-`` will �ie tnor� effective
■ PREVENTION PRESS NEWSLETTER
� v��� ��� in prevent�ng alcohbl, `
• SERVE ON A COMMITTEE
� �,��:��� � � �.w . �� `
- � i ` tobacco and other dru 'abuse. _ � • wORK wITH SCHOOLS, BUSINESSE5, FAITH
�����r������ � � �
�- ;� � � � ��`��}���� � `� �` � COMMUNITIES � ■ BECOME A DAF PARTNER
� � �
� �''��������,r � � ��� � �
����� �������� t�t, ������ ■ PROMOTE PREVENTION POLICIES
_ � ���°����� _ The DAP needs your talent and experience.
� � ������ p s
� ' ����'���=� � � � � � � � � � ■ NEEDS ASSLSSMENT Call us to learn more about ways to promote
�� ..,_ � _ ._�.��-
healthy communities in Dakota County.
� _
�� -
■ BUILD COMMUNITY COALITIONS Y fi "' fl - ��
-� ..������ - "The DAP has been an excellent resource for people in our area:'
■ SUPPORT PARENTS
- Community Coalition Member
■ EMPOWER YOUTH « BE INFORMED . . .
All of the youth involved thought that the sessions were very good
and think that more of the same types of groups should be conducted..:'
■ INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS Hi h School Student/Focus Grou Moderator
- g P BE INVOLVED . . .
■ PROVIDE PREVENTION INFORMATION ��DAP has been invaluable in helping to pull together resources and
- information to support us to be more effective and efficient in our
■ PROMOTE COLLABORATION prevention efforts:' MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- School Chemical Health Coordinator
,.. _.'. _.. , . . . . . . . , . . . . . _ . , . ' . f . . . . . . . . . . .
� � . .� �� . � - .
_e: � t� � M�
_� �� ,. �,,�:w ,—:=r,.
v v� z � �
NEF,DS IN DAKOTA COUNTY � w;o '�' ''b�
_ � �� � a
f A� � �
_ We'd like to think that alcohol and other drug `= � �, � �-�
� � � unities Wor 1
abuse isn't a problem in our community. The . ,�, � r"' �� k�g
,:adY i
� O n O .�a S . I�ti��I� �
facts,however,tell us that Dakota County,like � � �' p � G �
other counties,has a serious problem with these � �; Z (� � '
�, issues. Based on the DAP's Needs Assessment n� � Ci7 �� ��D�
� and the Minnesota Student Survey: � �; �� co� ��:��
A
• The average age of first use of alcohol and � � n
other drugs is 12 years old. i1AK�TA � �: .. ; �.,,� :.
• Minors have easy access to alcohol ,,.� �LLIANCE �'�R a�
and other drugs. p � � �
'� PREVENTION �O
• Underage drinking is widely accepted by � Q+ wHAT jS Tj��i �AKOTA �
youth and often allowed by adults. G
�� ,��40 ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION?
• Internal family conflicts and poor � �
communication concern youth and adults. �1c0 ���
�
�l $L� The Dakota Alliance for Prevention (DAP)is a
� Eighty percent of 12th graders have used ' TOhaCCO
alcohol,�fty percent of them by the partnership of concerned citizens who represent
time they were 15. cities,townships and various systems throughout
Dakota County.
• Nineteen percent of 12th graders use tobacco
daily. DAP partners have a wealth of experience in
DAP is a county-wide education,social service,civic/volunteer
• Forty percent of 12th graders report riding organizations,health care,government,housing,
with friends who have been drinking. gI'OUp Of Carlrig ariCl faith communities,law enforcement and business.
proactive citizens, They include parents,youth and representatives
.. , ;__ .= v >_ �.,��_ y. ..,__ , � ;� from culturally diverse populations.
. _
` committed to promoting
Partnership members are dedicated to working
� C11eIY11Cal Ilealtll aritl together to make a difference in the area of
h pI'eVeritlrig a1C0�101� prevention and chemical health promotion in our
: county.
tobacco and other drug
abUSe Iri DakOta C011rity� The DAP is funded by a five-year grant from the
U.S.Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
, tI1POUg11 COril111Urilty (CSAP)to reduce and prevent alcohol,tobacco,
� and other drug abuse and related problems. Six
� erilpOWe1'rilerit grants have been awarded in Minnesota and 252
' ; and collaboration. across the country.
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Tus nab npawb xov tooj siv dawb no yog muaj los rau sawv daws siv 24 teev txhua
bchua hnub,ntaus tau ntawm lub xov tooj'Touch Tone,"los yog lub xov tooj'htaus"tuaj
uwb(tsis yog lub xov tooj"kiv"). Xav siv:Ntaus tus nab npawb xov tooj 427-
2502,ces hnov cov lus As-mes-li-kas(America)qhia qhia hauv. Thaum hnov cov
lus qhia qhia pib,ces ntaus 3,ces mam ntaus 3 tus nab npawb ntawm zaj lus koj xav hnov.
503 Ua niam ua txiv rau cov me nyuam hluas
504 Pab txwv cov hluas txoj kev ua laib
Sms�ucaninism"�i evr�v��a,vn�+�"� za e�"w��ruRc���eun. u'u 427-2502
�tJO�JffHUc{a'J 'bFFJtLm 3 'd'vRllxhvr.lt8�'�'��'37 'b¢1LJL.mItWSn LRk'�'1
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Dubng dAy dlQn thoai n�y phpc vp ml�n phf 24 tlAng dAng hd mbi ngAy.Khi dOng
dlQn tho@I lo�l"touch tone",bAm s�427-2502. Sau khi nghe Ibl hudng d3n b$ng
NAng Anh,b'drn s�3. TIAp theo,b3m ba s8 507 d�nghe b�l"D�y Dd Con Em Trong
Tu61 VI ThAnh NiBn',ho�c ba sb 508 d�nghe b�I "Ngan Ng�Ya Nhung BSng DAng
ThIAu NIAn".
5�� Day d8 con em trong[u�i vi th�nh ni@n
508 Ng�n ngifa nhung b�ng d3ng thi�u ni@n
Este servicio de telefono gratuito esta disponible 24 horas al dia marcando
desde cualquier telefono digital.Para usar este servicio marque 427-2502,
oprima el numero 3,y despues oprima el numero de tres digitos con el
mensaje que desea escuchar.
510 Servicios para Hispanos
511 Hay en Nuestro Hogar un Problema de Dependencia a las
Sustancias Quimicas7
512 Que Hacer se se Hijo Tiene un Problema con las Drogas
�P co 95�����csFs.`�rG:'"'�
�.�0 `/�'�. `Kab Xov Kev Ceev Fal
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Aware Line
Linea de qyuda
l�jF7�
OUf� 4��'��tl
� �s�
�yn'T��
DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION
This free telephone service is available 24 hours every
day from any touch tone telephone. Listen to accurate,
up-to-date,confidential answerstoyour questionsabout
alcohol and other drugs, parenting, and community
services.
To use: Dial 427-2502. After the introductory
message, press 3, then the three-digit
number of the message you want to hear.
� � • ` •
#530 What You Don't Know About Teen Drinking Can Cost You
#531 Listening To Dakota County Youth
#532 Listening To Dakota County Parents
#533 Dakota County Prevention Resources
#534 Dakota County Treatment Resources
#535 Dakota Alliance For Prevention
� • • : � : � •
#513 Alcohol Facts For Young People
#514 What Is Alcoholism?
#515 Drinking While Pregnant:Effects On The Baby
#516 Cigarettes,Pipes&Snuff
� � � �
#517 Is There A Chemical Problem In Our House?
#518 What To Do If Your Child Has A Drug Problem
#519 Marijuana:The High Lasts Longer Than You Think
#520 Facts About Cocaine
#521 Crack
#522 Anabolic Steroids
#523 Inhalants...Sniffing&Huffing
#524 Speed Still Kills
#525 PCP...It Really Is THAT Bad
#526 Barbiturates&Other powners
#527 LSD And Other Hallucinogens
#528 Heroin And Other Opiates
#529 ICE:Smokable Methamphetamine
AWARE LINE is a service of the
DAP DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION
For information about other resources, call the
DAKOTA HELP LINE at 431-2424.
The Aware Line is part of Drug Talk,a service of the Minnesota Prevention
Resource Center and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
A
ts Printed on recycled paper.
�PREVENTION PRESS �PKEVENTION PRESS
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY' ��FLCOME . . .NEW DAP P�TNER�
Editor's note: DAP provided funding to the Cultural Diversity Working Group of Dakota Citizens Forum for a two-day workshop in December
entitled,"Celebrating Diversity in Dakota County". The following article was written about the workshop by 7erry Cotton,member of the Working "�""�`��`�
�
� �,a�
Group and a new DAP partncr. �" '� � e;��l ��l�V ''�. � � ` ,, �_ � �
�"�je �, ���"'���,,_. �� he Dakota County Working Group produced a meeting of the minds � ���� � ��
� ���_ e � for communities within our county boundaries. Far those who ���' � � � ����� � � � �.' �� � ����� e��� ti�,q,e
,ga
_,_�,� e
� ` ' � � � �
'
� '�"�� �� � missed the warkshop,I can only say that you missed out on a chance "°' � ����, , �� �
�`�' �,� io voice and be heard. Not only was there representation from social = • � �� � � � � �° `�
� �. �� �
,; , e
� ,� 3., �
� - �� scrvice agencies,educators and youth,but also from business and .' � � � x u��� � '� � �
� � � ��� �° ,� �
�overnment. r � �
Although not all the queskions had answers,all the people in ` � ��� ,��, ��
, � � �� •, � � � ��' � attendance had a chance to ask. In my travels I have found this to be the � � �P����a� � �
�"�� � ° � �?:�"'��� eh e New DAP representatives are(L to R): Robin Stoffel,Hastings;Father Killian Perry,Representative-at-large;Jerry Cotton,F7epresentative-at-large;
���� � one area lacking in most soCieties. No one seems to hear anymore. Penny But/er,Lenise But/er,Rosemount. Welcome to the DAP Partnership!
As a member of the Dakota County Cultural Diversity Working
Group it was my pleasure to assist the many people of this vastly diverse county to share �
Participants at the workshop, "Celebrating Diversiry in experienCes as well as conCems,about the direchon we are going as a SOCiety. With the proper
Dakota Counry",December 1-2, 1993. energy,Pm confident we will get there. �CR�T� �/jp� j�p��AT`IV�S OPEN �l.l ViJL'
1\LJ
-.JCYYy C��P1r(3st
BUILDING MORE ������� he Partnership is a 25-member county-wide citizen group,overseeing the DAP's community- /� n open house for legislators on prevention
� �based prevention project. The Partnership and committees meet on a monthly basis. If you are l7issues is scheduled for Wednesday,March
The Dakota Youth and Families �� � � �s interested in being a member of the Partnership call the DAP office at 450-2902 for an applicarion 9 at the State Capitol. Participation is welcome.
e >
Conference was a hu e success with 971 � ��� , � ` �� � �`"
�,x
g � �, � packet and more information, Call Mary Montagne at 450-2902 fac more
"live"participants and another 6,370 youth � '���� � � °E � � �� �°��� information. �
watching on tape-delayed video. �e °��� �� ° � �` � ��, ` °�
s '
Community members addressed the issues �` '�� � ' � �.� � r
1'11SB(�C1UT'ITl tll0 COI1f0T'CriCC arid 1ie riOW � � ' �� �� ��:� � ;�; ` , �' '�"'� "�.�����'��.�-�: ..�,� �����".
g � �� � ��� � �� ��� ��. �� ° �;�
5� � en� , �;�.�
putting their plans into action. ,� � �� � � � � ��'' ��i!"""���""� _ �t . ��'��;'' ., � ,_. _ 1 .
� �e, ,�� � r, g _
Congratulations and thanks to the many, � �
3� ° ,
many people who worked hard to make the � � �'°"�� � `��°,� � _���� � ��' �
conference happen and make their � County-wide "On the Move"and Lao Community Skill building activities for youth
communities a healthy plaCe fOr yoUth and Youth and adult participants at the South St.Paul City Hall watched keynote speaker Drew Brown o.n monitors, CIlUT'C�l 3rid f11Tli�teS
families! then had live"interactive"discussion with the other eight conference sites via Cable TV and discussed community BUl'llsVl�le PI'OJeCt ReSpeCt 1�111a11Ce PaTellt edUCdCiOn dild COrilmuility
issues in small groups.
network development
Fall seven times,stand up eight. /� C The first step toward creating an improved Burnsville Metcalf Jtinior High Clown Troop Junior High students presenting to
- Japanese Proverb
�UOTABLE (�LTI.�,�a7a�s future is developing ihe ability to envision it. bradeti K-3 �
- Author Unknown Eagan Lao PTA Eagan Chapter C}�f�� �cal free youth activities and
; par��it education
�� h Farmington Farmington Elementary School Alcohol/drug-free media/resource center
���� IJUN�.�� ��' 1 R���FNTI�1� " ���7��iF`��L�:�I�T ���LE�� Farmington St.Michael's Church and Alcohol/drug-free lock-in
^�� Farmington Communiry Education `
he Rosemount Activiries Program(RAP)was formed about two years ago. We began as a group of people meeting in a house within our �
Rosemount Greens Townhouse complex for an Early Childhood Family Education class. One member of our group had the knowledge and Hashngs Hastings Ecumenical Youth Youth/adult deCision-making �
initiative to find out about a United Way grant After brainstorming,three of us moms developed a group name,goa]and became a recipient of a � Directars retreats
grant to start planning programs for our townhouse complex. Working with County ExCension and 4-H youth we brought learning opportunities to the Hastings Hastings Health Network ChemiCal health promotion videos
kids]iving here. Programming was difficult because the only place we had to meet was outside ar in someone's townhouse. Tnver Grove Hts. Parent CommuniCation Netwark Promote membership and provide �
We found out about the"On The Move"(OTM)van from the Extension office. We became the first pilot project site for them. The OTM van � parent education
provided excellent teaching staff for both adults and children,as well as providing a place to meet
°� � (the van is really an RV). We've used the van for over a year and we now have the need to expand � Lakeville City of Lakeville Parks and Rec. Alcohol/dnlg-free recreational and
�� educational activities
�. � e�� our program. We need a permanent,larger place so we can bring in broader programs to the
�' Camilies that live in this area. Lakeville "On the Move"and Manufactured Alcohol/drug-free youth activities
^���� ""� � Home Parks S ort Team Assoc.
� ° ���� � °� � Our goals are to 1)share our beliefs and values with our neighbors,2)bring program �� p
�:�
��.� opportunities to families and 3)hopefully create a healthy environment for children and adults in our � Lakeville Positive Youth Development Alcohol/drug-free youth activities
� �� .irea. We teach self esteem and promote positive results in behavior and interaction in our complex
���� : �� and in our everyday lives. Lakeville SWAPP Parent and student retreat
��� The DAP has been an excellent resource for us in positive teaching to people in our area. Northfield/ Community Cheinical Health Task Community-wide youth health
� � '� ' � a We applied for and received"seed money"from the DAP for resident and teen activities and for Greenville and Force forum
�� �'° �'`°��'�_ ' ` `' non-violent conflictresoluCion training. During the last six months we have organized monthly Waterford Townships
Some of the participants in the monthly coalition meetings meetin s of re resentatives from our nei hborhood,cit Parks and Recreation Board and staff,law
at Rosemount City HaIL(Clockwise)Penny Butlerand g p g y Rosemount Rosemount Activities Program Conflict resolution training
Kathy Pince,Rosemount Greens Activities Program enforcement,Community Action Council,churches,County Extension,DAP,school district,and
(R.A.P);.lulie Kiecken,C.A.C.;�ucinda Adams,R.A.P.; social service agencies. We are working on ways to increase use of local resources and build a South St.Paul STATEMENT Prevention Campaign
Mary Ajax,c.A.c.;Felicia Fleurid and Wendy Lee, stronger communiry for youth and families. West St.Paul Henry Sibley High School Start S.A.D.D.chapter
Cimarron Village CounciL
-Penny Butler,Rosemount Greens Activity Coordinator
PAGE 2 � � � � �� � � � � � � �, �� � � ,� � � PAGE 3
� DAKOTA ALLIANCE
,? -6' '.:` "+�.v .}-,,.,._.v �b4"R �, �i'S_ii5h�d��.'4��t{ ��".
FOR PREVENTION ��ntcies Wo��.
Dakota County Public Health Go� °�l,
33 E.Wentworth Ave. #345 �r� °���
West St.Paul,MN SS ll8 � �'�
D AKOT�
�: � 1�L,LIA�CE k'ox „
� � � - � � � ,� �� � � � � .o PREVENTION � ,o
� s� . : � �� e
�
J�
'�, q
°f , �,,�� .m�...q. , � � �__n.� �� ��
, � ,,.�,.. ; � ,,, _,�_,��„�•.
x 91c��Oj Tobacco�����t _.
�Unities Workl
G°� �gTo
��� ��� VoLUME II IssuE III MARcx 1994
�� ��
�
DAKOTA DAP CoMPLETES NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND
� ALLIANCE FOR �,
° PREVENTION ,� STRATEGIC PLAN
�
GQ he DAP's Needs Assessment/ often. Just one in five students report incomes. Protective factors that need to
�,40 �Evaluation Committee has that their parents have talked to them be enhanced include school and peer
��1� .�"t completed a county-wide needs "quite a biY'about alcohol and drug support and family rules and standards.
`9jc� ��,°S assessment resulting in the report: use. Youth want to spend more rime The needs assessment was the basis
11�1 &Q'� Windows,Walls,and Bridees. It is based with their parents. Parents wanted far a strategic planning process which
' 1'ObaCCO on a model which identifies risk factors support for parenting. Both adults included six action teams with over fifty
associated with drug abuse and and youth wanted to improve community members. These teams
delinquency, as well as protective factors communication and reduce family developed action plans for the next four
whicb counteract the risks. It includes conflicts. years. Activities for 1994 will include:
information from 25 focus groups,town ] an awareness cam ai n to romote a
meetings,and surveys. The Cop four risk 3. Youth alienation � P g P
� � factors identified for Dakota Count are: single message: no illegal use or abuse
Y Youth who are not bonded to of alcohol,tobacco,and other drugs,
F�� ��T 7n �����7n�� 1. Availabiliry of alcohol primary social groups of family,
Ul� 1�11 •�• school,church,and communiry 2)working with local coalirions,
_ �. .. , .�_,.�_� ,�s,�,,.,_, .. ___ ��- ._.,.,=....r..,��u.w..,.. _... ._� _ v�r,��� �..-..,� Easy access to alcohol(and other feel a sense of isolation ar alienation. 3)continuation of"Seed Money"awards
�� « �� � drugs)by minors throughout the This may be due in part to weak for communit based revention,
� March 9 is the date for a Prevention Open House in the Great Hall at the county was a common theme in the Y p
� � State Ca itol. Join Minnesota Prevention Network,Minnesota Communit � family ties, a lack of communiry
, P Y � town meetings and focus groups. involvement,and/or serious personal 4)opportunities to increase parent/child
� Partnerships,Minnesota Prevention Resource Center,the DAP and other � ��,�j�N ������ communication,
� 2. Famil mana errient and concerns. Dakota County youth are
� organizations to meet state legislators and promote prevention. For more � y g less involved in volunteerin and
information,call Mary Montagne at 450-2902. � VoL II Issue III March 1994 communication problems g 5)a youth planning committee to plan a
communiry service than the state- 1995 youth summit,and
Internal family conflicts and poar wide avera e. Runnin awa from
The next Dakota Alliance for Prevention partnership meeting is scheduled 'I'he Prevention Press is published quarterly by g g y 6 workin with s stems i.e.,schools,
� � communication were mentioned ) g Y �
far Wednesday,March 16,5:00-7:OOpm,Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. � the Dakota Alliance for Prevention. home and suicidal thoughts or
� Interested persons are welcome. Call the DAP office at 450-2902 for more � , attempts are are also examples of business,faith communities)to
� information. � STAFF: Faren#s a���t� 1;�??}�� �)��'3*��'�'€�� alienation. identify needs and resources.
T Mary Montagne,Coordinator The DAP strategic plan report is called
� How to Talk to Parents So Kids Will Listen is the title of a workshop � 4. Favorable attitudes toward alcohol plannin�far Prevention: A Blueprint for
� sponsored by Children Are Peaple Support Groups. The half-day program is for Sue Gehrz,Community Health � Teens consider adults to be more use among youth
� Promorion Specialist influential than parents da � Ch�'
� � � professionals working with parents wt�o are concerned about chemical
� Underage drinking is widely If you would like to be involved in
� prevention. Cost: $25. Call 490-9257 for further information. Jane Palumbo,Comm�niry Health � Teens want parents to learn to be � accepted by youth and often allowed any of these activities,would like more
� Promorion Specialist better listeners,but parents want to b adults directl or b not information,or a co of com lete
� � April 21-22,1994 are the dates for a conference to be held at the Sheraton � learn how to set and enfarce rules. �� Y � Y y pY p
� Metrodome entitled,Making Prevention Programs Work: Voices for Change. � Blong Xiong,Extension Service Agent monitoring youth activities). reports,call 450-2902.
This conference is being sponsored by the Minnesota Prevention Resource � Sue Larsen,Administrative Assistant -> Teens want more time with Community norms are inconsistent. -Mary Montagne,DAP Coordinator
Center. Contact Jean Funk at 224-5121 for more details. parents,but parents want mare Community members clearly agreed
` opportunities for communicating in one�area: that drinking and
` The next deadline for Community Initiative Fund applications will be TO BE ADDED TO OLJR MAILING L1ST', with their own peers. driving is unacceptable. Many thanks to the Needs
� � � Assessment Committee.
4:30pm on Monday,October 3, 1994. Call 450-2902 to be on the list of people to � or if you would like to contribute an article to From"Listening to Dakota County",
receive application packets when they become available. Awards will be given in � Prevention Press, call Jane Palumbo at focus�roup study of 11 groups of Protective factors counteract risk Leslie Yunker Lakeville
January 1995. � 450-2933,Fax 450-2962. ; arents and ]4 rou s of'unior and factors. Dakota County sbows evidence
� P g P J Caro]Thomas Frevention Alliance
,` senior high school students from 10 of protective factors such as community
� � � � � � � ""�� ���" norms a ainst ille al dru s exCessive Margaret Dixon Inver Grove Heights
suburban and rural communities in g g g �
� > Dakota County in 1993. drinking, and drinking and driving;a low Teri Shingledecker Hastings
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