City of Santa Clarita, CA - Straight Answers To Tough Questions

Created by Laurel Bear
In cooperation with the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program of the Alhambra High School District
County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Santa Clarita Station
Santa Clarita Sheriff's Advisory Committee
City of Santa Clarita

Introduction: What Exactly is the Problem?
How Does Your Child Score?
Substance Abuse
Adolescent Suicide
Running Away
Truancy
Curfew
Pranks
Teen Parties
Adolescent Sex
Rape/Sexual Abuse
Eating Disorders
Serious Communicable Diseases on the Rise
Connecting the Community
Violent Behavior
Conflict Resolution Through Mediation
Gang Awareness
Zero Tolerance Policies
Community Action Programs
Things to Do In and Around Our Community
Counseling

Introduction: What Exactly is the Problem?

Kids today are exposed to critical choices at younger, more vulnerable ages; what was typical for high school students 10-20 years ago is more typical for junior high school students today.

Living and growing up, even in the 1960's and '70's was simpler, safer, and less stressful. Today, drugs are dangerously stronger, easier to use, less expensive, and more accessible to the very young. Sexually transmitted disease can be fatal. Assault with weapons is common. Gang activity has spread to the suburbs, and the solution to violence is not within reach. A powerful media directs kids' values through radio, CD's, movies, TV, newspapers, books, magazines...even your home computer and telephone. Multi-cultural communities, family financial problems, and increasing amounts of information to be learned add to the stresses of children's lives.

Parenting is tough today. A significant number of families have two working parents or a single parent in the home. Grandparents and relatives are usually far away. Parents are tired and have less time, contact, and influence over children than they have had in decades. Kids have less opportunity to learn values, problem-solving skills, and healthy ways to relieve stress from their lives. Neighbors and neighborhoods are less interactive and more isolated. With far less guidance from positive adult role models, children are making critical and life-changing decisions that can effect them for the rest of their lives.

Even in Santa Clarita where we enjoy fine neighborhoods and schools, our families and children are not immune to the problems of society. Straight Answers to Tough Questions offers a "reality" check for parents. Throughout the booklet, you will find information to help you make important family decisions. You will be urged to learn more about your child's world through his/her friends and their parents, by carpooling, joining PTA and booster groups, attending day and evening school activities, and keeping contact with teachers. You will learn to recognize potential problems, and take active steps toward finding the solutions. The last section of the book contains valuable resources for information, advice, counseling, and health referrals.

With good guidance and good information, you and your children will make better decisions for life.

Straight Answers: How Does Your Child Score?

ASSETS are factors promoting healthy child development. These assets may result from "external" relationships with family, friends, and groups, or from "internal" personal values and attitudes.

How many of these external assets, which equip children to make wise choices, are present in your child's life? (Tip: Have your child fill in the form first in pencil if you want a better picture)

Parents are loving, easy to talk to, and available when teens want to talk
Parents frequently take time to talk seriously with their children
Parents express their own standards for teenage behavior
Parents set rules and enforce the consequences when the rules are broken
Parents check on where their teenager is going, with whom, and for how long
Parents are approachable when the teen has something serious to talk about
The number of nights the teenager may spend out of the home "for fun and recreation" is limited
The teen has three or more adults, in addition to a parent, to whom he/she could go for help
The teenager has frequent serious conversations with an adult that is not his or her own parent
The teenager's friends are a constructive influence, are doing well in school, and are staying away from contact with drugs, alcohol, and other at-risk behaviors
The teenager attends church or synagogue at least once a month
The teenager sees the school atmosphere as caring and encouraging
The teenager participates in band, orchestra, or takes lessons on a musical instrument involving three or more hours a week
The teenager participates in school sports activities, non-school-sponsored sports, or other organizations for three or more hours a week

How many of these internal assets are present in your child's life?

Tries to do his or her best in school
Hopes to be educated beyond high school
Earns above-average school grades
Does six or more hours of homework weekly
Is good at making friends
Tries to stand up for his/her beliefs
Cares about others' feelings
Is good at planning ahead
Is good at making decisions
Has a positive attitude toward self
Envisions a happy future for himself/herself
Shows concern for the poor
Is interested in helping and improving life for others
Holds values that prohibit having sex as a teen

The more assets a child has, the less at-risk behaviors.

Ideally, children should have 25-30 of these external and internal assets for healthy adolescent development. According to a study of nearly 47,000 students in grades 6-12, the average young person has seventeen.

Reprinted from "The Troubled Journey, A Profile of American Youth" 1993, with permission of Search Institute, a private, non-profit research organization specializing in national studies of children, adolescents, and families. For more information, please call (800) 888-7828.

Substance Abuse

Why substance abuse?

One of the main reasons kids experiment with drugs is peer influence. Young people notice acquaintances and friends using alcohol and other drugs without visible harm and they want to be "cool" like "everyone else." Kids are curious about drugs. They're intrigued by what they hear about drugs on television, in music, and in movies. They may see their parents using alcohol and other drugs at social events or at home.

Kids may try alcohol and other drugs to dull the emotions, and insecurities of school or family problems that often go along with adolescence. Temporarily, drugs may seem to work. A shy or troubled child may feel more sure of himself or accepted while using alcohol or drugs, without realizing the dangers involved.

Many parents find it difficult to tell their children not to use drugs because of their own drug use during their youth. Some parents believe that they are hypocrites if they tell their kids not to the same things they did. Parents need to remember to play the responsible role of a parent.

Everyday parenting for crisis prevention

The most vital, yet simple thing you can do as a parent or adult role model is to treat your child as a valued and loved person who is responsible and capable of protecting himself/herself. A child empowered with love, value, and respect will value himself and be much less likely to get involved with drugs or other risky behaviors. Be curious about your child's world. Listen and communicate.

WAKE-UP FACTS

One out of three children lives with an adult who has a drug or alcohol problem.
9 year-olds report that marijuana is easy to get.
14.9 years is the average age for drug treatment.

Substance Abuse and Other Risky Behaviors

Probability of student risk in related areas

This chart calculates the percentage of probability of a student who is at-risk in one area, also being at-risk in other areas. For example, if a student is at-risk for alcohol use, then the chance that he/she is also at-risk for sexual activity is 70%, and the chance that he/she is at-risk for vehicle safety is 86%. Note the disturbing probabilities for students at-risk in the area of drug use.

	Alcohol Use	Tobacco Use	Illicit Drug Use	Sexual Activity	Depression/Suicide	Anti-Social Behavior	School Attendance	Vehicle Safety
Alcohol Use	- - -	42%	27%	70%	33%	49%	23%	86%
Tobacco Use	66%	- - -	35%	77%	39%	53%	26%	85%
Illicit Drug Use	72%	60%	- - -	84%	46%	61%	32%	88%
Sexual Activity	49%	34%	22%	- - -	34%	41%	19%	77%
Depression/ Suicide	41%	30%	21%	59%	- - -	38%	18%	73%
Anti-Social Behavior	54%	37%	24%	64%	34%	- - -	22%	82%
School Attendance	62%	43%	31%	72%	40%	53%	- - -	82%
Vehicle Safety	41%	25%	15%	52%	28%	35%	15%	- - -

From a study of 46,799 - 6-12 grade students. This study does not include the urban poor or students who have already dropped out of school. The addition of these groups would most likely add to the percentages substantially.

Reprinted from "The Troubled Journey, A Profile of American Youth" 1993, with permission of Search Institute. For more information, call (800) 888-7828.

Definitions of At-Risk Behaviors

Behavior	Definition
Alcohol Use	Frequent alcohol use Binge drinking
Tobacco Use	Daily cigarette use Chewing tobacco use
Illicit Drug Use	Frequent use of illicit drugs
Sexual Activity	Sexually active Non-use of contraceptives
Depression/Suicide	Depression Attempted suicide
Anti-Social Behavior	Vandalism Group fighting Police trouble Theft Weapon use
School Attendance	School absenteeism Desire to drop out
ehicle Safety	Driving and drinking Drinking and riding Seat belt non-use

Reprinted with permission of Search Institute. For more information, call (800) 888-7828.

Reasons Kids Experiment with Drugs

Boredom, lack of excitement or challenge, idle time
Socialization with friends
Media influence
Low exposure to prevention programs, lack of actual information about the dangers of drug and alcohol use
Modeling parents or other adults
Lack of appropriate values for maintaining health and well-being
Low self-concept
Strong need for independence
Escape from problems, loneliness, failure
Desire for chemically induced physical or mental energy
Self-medication for depression, anxiety, and other disorders
Anti-social behavior
Unnecessary risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior
Resistance to traditional authority (parents, school, or society in general)

Facts About Commonly Abused Substances

TOBACCO (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff)

The number of teen smokers is rising, not falling.
Initiation of daily smoking is highest among junior high school students (ages 12-14).
Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is so toxic that it has been used as an insecticide.
Though the immediate effects of smoking are not evident, long-term effects are drastic and can include heart, bronchial and lung disease, cancer, and other diseases. Chewing tobacco and snuff can cause mouth lesions and cancer.
The addicted smoker may suffer from withdrawal symptoms including irritability, nervousness, headaches, compulsive eating, inability to concentrate, sleeplessness, and reduced heart rate.
Tobacco is a "gateway drug." Kids who smoke cigarettes in elementary and junior high school often "graduate" to using marijuana.

MARIJUANA (pot, hemp, bud, dope, grass, weed, reef, herb, chronic, fatty, blunt, reefer, maryjane, joint, blaze, "420")

Marijuana comes from the crushed leaves, flowers and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains over 400 chemicals, many which are toxic. (Hashish comes from this plant too.)
The effects of marijuana grown today can be 3-10 times stronger than marijuana grown in the '60's and '70's due to a highly increased Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
It takes about one month for the THC in one marijuana cigarette (joint) to leave the body.
Over 90% of high school seniors have used marijuana.
Over 40% of the young people who use marijuana have also used one or more other illegal drugs.
The earlier a person starts smoking cigarettes and marijuana, the more likely he/she is to progress to other drugs.

ALCOHOL (brews, brewskis, bud, shooters, 40's)

Alcohol is the drug most widely used by youth; it is easily obtained in many homes. Alcohol is also sometimes brought to school in flasks, sports bottles, and other containers.
Young people have fewer defenses against acute intoxication and more rapid addiction to alcohol than adults do. It takes only 5 to 15 months for a 14-19 year old to become addicted to alcohol. It takes only 5 to 15 weeks for a child under 14 to become addicted.
Wine coolers contain as much alcohol as a full shot of whiskey.
The use of alcohol and other drugs by adolescents often leads to unplanned, unprotected sex.
Aside from the toxic effects of alcohol on the organs of the body, heavy use can cause aggressive sexuality, uncontrollable outbursts of rage, blackouts, vehicle and other accidents, and violence leading to homicide or suicide.
The combination of marijuana and alcohol can be extremely dangerous. The THC in marijuana turns off the vomit control center of the brain, which is nature's way of getting rid of toxic substances when they are reaching a dangerously high level.
Weekend "binge drinking" and alcohol games are common among high school teens and can lead to death.

INHALANTS (sniffing, huffing, nitrous)

Glue and inhalants are often abused by children 7-17 years old because they are sold legally, are easy to get, and are inexpensive.
Any aerosol or substance that produces fumes can be inhaled by a child in an attempt to get "high." Examples include magic markers, crazy glue, or spray paint.
Solvents and aerosol sprays decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment.
Repeated sniffing over time can permanently damage the brain, nervous system, lungs, kidneys, liver, and nasal passages.
High levels of inhalants may cause dizziness, vomiting, decreased heart rate, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. Death can occur the first time that an inhalant is used.
It is estimated that 1-in-3 children experiment with inhalants.

COCAINE (coke, crack, blow, white, flake, rock, nose candy, snow, chiva)

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant, sold as a white chunky powder, usually chopped into a fine powder, and inhaled into the nose with a short straw. It can be injected and, in the form of "crack," it can be smoked.
A child's lunch money can buy enough cocaine to get high.
"Crack" is a deadly, highly addictive form of cocaine. It has become an introductory drug for kids in some communities because of its availability and low cost.
Cocaine generates a brief high followed by an intense depression and craving for more of the drug, agitation, and physical and mental depletion.
An overdose of cocaine can cause extreme agitation, respiratory failure, heart failure, or death.
Constant sniffing may be a sign of use.

ROHYPNOL (ruffies, forget pill, poor man's qualudes, trip-and-fall, Pappas, date-rape drug)

The drug causes drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor skills, impaired judgment, and reduced levels of consciousness. It has also been known to cause amnesia.
When dissolved, it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
There have been reports of people "dosing" other people by slipping the tablet into a drink without the victim's knowledge.
Rohypnol, when mixed with alcohol, may produce extremely low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, coma, and death.
Rohypnol is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess in the U.S. and has never been approved for medical use.

METHAMPHETAMINES, AMPHETAMINES (speed, tweak, crank, uppers, meth, crystal meth, ice, glass, crystal, bennies)

Methamphetamines are used by students for alertness, energy, and weight loss with severe consequences.
Methamphetamines and amphetamines are dangerous addictive stimulants, available in pill, capsule, and powder form and swallowed, injected, or inhaled through the nose.
Long-term use can cause impaired vision, poor coordination, dizziness, paranoia, weight loss, convulsions, and collapse. High doses can result in fever, high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

HEROIN (smack, horse, brown sugar, junk, mud, big-it, black tar)

Initially, heroin produces a feeling of euphoria that is often followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Users may also experience constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching.
An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and death.
The threat of contaminated needles has kept down the use of heroin in the past; however, it is now available in a powder form that can be inhaled or ingested.

LSD (acid, tabs, psychedelic, microdot, white lightning, window pane, blot or blotter, dropping a tab, fry)

LSD is a powerful, chemically manufactured hallucinogen. The drug's effects on the brain are highly unpredictable. Users may experience extreme and often frightening distortions of reality, seeing, hearing, and feeling things that are not real.
Liquid LSD is so potent that a dose may be a tiny drop added to a drink or absorbed by paper, pills, or anything that can be eaten or swallowed.
LSD can cause panic, suspiciousness, and behavior that mimics mental illness. Extended use can cause permanent brain damage.

PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP, Angel dust, loveboat, lovely, hog)

PCP is a powerful hallucinogen.
It can be used with a marijuana cigarette or regular cigarette.
PCP interrupts the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check
It blocks pain receptors that may result in violent PCP-induced episodes and cause self-inflected injuries.
Chronic users report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and violent behaviors also occur.
Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, heart and lung failure, or ruptured blood vessels in the brain.

STEROIDS (roids, sauce, juice)

Steroids are taken illegally by athletes or people who want to increase their body size.
Steroids are often sold illegally in gyms, locker rooms, or through magazine ads and are taken orally as tablets or through injection in the buttocks or thigh.
Steroids cause widely different and unpredictable results. Some symptoms are: gain in muscle mass or body weight, increased eating, insomnia, acne, "roid" rage or aggression, puffy face, bad breath, yellowing of eyes, swelling of feet and legs, trembling, injury especially to tendons, or deepening voice.
Long-term, high-dose use can lead to addiction; depression; uncontrollable behavior; date rape; homicidal and suicidal behaviors; serious problems with the reproductive system; cancer; and heart, brain, and liver disease.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

There are many other substances that fall into the category of abused drugs. As a parent, you are your child's best defense against drug abuse and their best advocate if a drug problem arises. Your parenting will be most effective if you are well informed.

Substance Abuse Prevention Tips

Remember that you are a role model in everything you say and do. If you are drinking or taking drugs, your children are noticing and learning from you. Children resent the double-standard adults often present.
Know your children's friends. Ask to meet them. Know their names; phone numbers; and, if possible, get to know their parents.
Clearly communicate your family policy on alcohol and other drug use. Don't assume your children know you don't want them using drugs. Be a credible source of information; don't exaggerate the effects of a given drug or play it down.
Teach children clear standards of right, wrong, and responsibility. Set and enforce rules for behavior.
Don't involve your children in any form of alcohol or other drug use.
Let everyone involved with your children, including parents and friends, know that your children are not allowed to use drugs, including alcohol. Network with other parents to create alcohol and drug-free environments for your children.
Identify and discuss with your child the "do drugs" messages on the radio, in CD's, movies, videos, TV, magazines, computer networks, and even in sports.
Host drug and alcohol-free parties in your home.
Reduce the amount of time your child is "hanging out." Know what he/she is doing and whom he/she is with.
Avoid giving your child excess cash.
Keep children busy with activities that challenge, excite, encourage independence, and provide a fulfilling "high" without the use of drugs. Include activities that promote the welfare of others.
Accept your child's individuality, without comparisons to siblings or relatives.
Spend enough time with your children each day to allow them to share their feelings and opinions. Don't wait for a problem to arise to take time to communicate. Ask questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer; and ACTIVELY LISTEN to your child without judging. The escalation of day-to-day situations into a full-blown crisis is often due to a failure to communicate.
If you can't be there as a parent, make sure your child has at least one positive adult figure (another parent, a relative, teacher, counselor or friend) who listens, cares, and gives your child nurturing support.
Don't be so naive as to think that your child would never use drugs.

Stages of Drug Use and Abuse

Most professionals see the progression from experimental alcohol and other drug use as a process, which involves stages. This process can occur quickly or slowly, depending on the adolescent's emotional stability, availability of drugs, peer pressure, and other factors. The following four stages are an overview of the typical progression from experimental drug use to chronic abuse.

Experimental Stage

The initial stage of drug use is usually experimental. The adolescent is curious about the effects of the drug and wants to experience the "high." Experimentation may occur once or several times, usually on the weekends or during the summer when there is more free time. Initiation to drugs usually comes from friends or acquaintances. Abuse may occur at this stage.

Social Stage

In the social stage, the most common reasons for using drugs are peer pressure and acceptance. If the adolescent perceives that "all the kids" are smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol, drug use easily becomes an accepted way to be part of the group. Social use most often occurs on weekends or during idle time after school. The adolescent usually sets limits on his/her consumption. Sometimes he/she goes beyond those limits. Abuse of drugs becomes more frequent in the social stage.

Dependent Stage

In the dependent stage, the adolescent becomes preoccupied with the drug. The adolescent no longer uses drugs for a temporary "high" from which he/she returns to a normal state. They feel emotionally guilty, knowing that drugs have become the main focus of his/her life. Attitude, appearance, and behavior change dramatically. The social aspects of drugs taper off. The adolescent abuses drugs alone more often.

Chronic Stage

In the chronic stage, the adolescent feels constant emotional or physical pain, which can only be lessened by the drug. The adolescent's main thoughts focus on obtaining and using more drugs. Effects of chronic abuse are most dramatic if the adolescent has grown addicted to those drugs, which cause emotional or physical withdrawal when not available. At this stage, the adolescent requires long-term treatment to assist in recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use

Early signs of alcohol and other drug use are subtle and may be confused with normal adolescent behavior. However, if several of these signs are present, consider it a warning and seek further help.

Physical symptoms

Smell of alcohol on breath
Loss of coordination, dizziness, stumbling, staggering
Change in speech and vocabulary patterns (rapid speech or slurring)
Nausea, vomiting, or "illness"
Change in sleep patterns (sleepless for long periods, followed by sleeping or "crashing" for long periods)
Bloodshot, red or glazed eyes, droopy eyelids
Imprecise eye movements
Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times
Sudden appetite, especially for sweets
Altered perception
Lethargy, lack of energy and vitality
Neglect of personal appearance and grooming
Abnormally pale complexion
Picking at skin, scabs, scratching
Slowed physical development
Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite
Needle marks

Behavioral changes

New interest in drug culture (drug related posters, clothing, magazines, paraphernalia)
Change in friends, unwillingness to introduce friends to family
Changes in values, beliefs
Withdrawal from family
Unexplained mood swings, depression, irritability, paranoia, anxiety
Inappropriate overreaction to simple requests or mild criticism
Loss of motivation and enthusiasm
Preoccupation with self, less concern for the feelings of others
Loss of interest in previously valued hobbies, sports, and activities
Decreased interaction and communication with others
Secrecy
Isolation
Lying, stealing, vandalism
Fake ID (indicating legal drinking age)
Frequent attendance at late night "dance" clubs, parties or raves
Unnecessary risk-taking
Aggressiveness, hostility, fighting
Loss of ability to assume responsibility
Money problems

School changes

Distinct and complete change in peer group
Loss of motivation for school activities
Decline in academic performance
Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
Reduced short-term memory, concentration, and attention span
Slow to respond, apathetic
Increased discipline and behavioral problems
Dozing in class or meetings

Physical evidence

Alcohol or prescription drugs missing from the home
Flasks or sports bottles in the backpack
Money or valuables that could easily be sold are missing
Marijuana cigarettes (joints), rolled and twisted at each end
Odor of marijuana (like burnt rope) on clothing, in the home
Cigarette rolling papers
Room deodorizers, incense
Eyedrops, mouthwash
Leaves, seeds, plants, mushrooms, powders, compact chunks
Pipes, pipe filters, screens, strainers
"Roach" clips (metal clips to hold the butts of a marijuana joint)
"Bongs" (water pipes, usually glass or plastic, sometimes large)
Stash cans (soft drink, beer, deodorant and other cans that unscrew at the top or bottom)
Small plastic baggies or small glass vials
Unfamiliar small containers or locked boxes
Capsules or tablets
Small spoons, straws, rubber tubing, razor blades, mirrors, pipes (for use with cocaine)
Drug-related books, magazines, comics

NOTE: These are possible but NOT conclusive signs of drug use.

If you suspect your child is using alcohol or other drugs, he/she may well be. Learn all you can about the subject. Your child's teacher(s), counselor, administrators, and school health aide may be good sources of support and information. Seek any professional help you might need to decide how to best approach your child.

If you protect your child from the negative
consequences of drug use and dependency,
you will only contribute to
his/her continued abuse.

There are reassuring, confidential sources of help available for you and your child in the Community Resources section at the end of this booklet. Some services are free or may have sliding fee scales, which enable you to pay what you can afford, and some services are covered by insurance.

Adolescent Suicide

One of the most important issues that sometimes surrounds adolescent substance abuse is suicide.

An adolescent who is having serious substance abuse or family-related problems has a higher tendency to attempt and/or commit suicide. There are other factors, but the use of drugs and other substances may make it easier to complete the act.

Motivations for suicide

Wanting to escape a seemingly intolerable situation
Wanting to end the pain of powerlessness over one's own life
Wanting to cause grief for another person
Wanting to be a martyr

Young People at Risk for Suicide

Youth who exhibit any of the following behaviors are more at risk for suicide.

Adolescents who have attempted suicide before
Severely depressed or in trouble
Low self-esteem
Abusers of alcohol or other drugs
Abused, neglected, or molested
Perfectionists
Unnecessary risk takers
Loners
Learning disabled
Gay/Lesbian
Rejected or socially isolated

Although a single, highly traumatic event can trigger a sudden suicide without warning, young people who are thinking about suicide almost always give signals in advance of what they are contemplating. The key to preventing suicide lies in our ability to recognize and respond to this cry for help.

Warning signs to look for in your child

Suicide threats
Recent loss of a loved one
Major disappointment
Feeling that is it impossible to face tomorrow
Sudden changes in personality or attitude
Sudden changes in appearance
Heavy use of alcohol or other drugs
Making final arrangements, giving away personal possessions

How you can help

It has been said that a person who threatens suicide will not follow through. This is not true. Suicide threats are a cry for help and must be taken seriously.

If you have any reason to believe that someone you know is exhibiting suicidal behaviors, talk to him/her honestly; be a good, nonjudgmental listener; and seek help for the person through professional services found in the Community Resources section in the back of this booklet or in your phone book. Many services are free. Counseling for the person's family may be important to help them be supportive and feel supported themselves.

In an emergency situation, call 911.

LA County Sheriff's Department
Santa Clarita Station
(661) 255-1121

If the incident happens on your school campus, tell your principal, vice-principal, counselor, or teacher.

Conflict Resolution Through Mediation

Knowing how to resolve conflict peacefully is a skill that is important throughout life. When a problem is too heated or complicated for two parties to solve, mediation may help. Mediation is a negotiation process in which a third party helps two individuals or groups to communicate. A mediator can be anyone not involved in the problem; a close friend, teacher, parent, school administrator, or counselor. Mediators ask questions, listen, keep the discussion fair, determine what each party wants, and help the two sides agree on a way to resolve the problem that will benefit both sides.

Mediators do not show bias, decide which side is right or wrong, discipline the parties, or spread information about the mediation. The mediation process demonstrates responsibility, respect, and appreciation for diversity and individuality. If you would like to receive more information on mediation program at your school, contact your school counselor or principal.

Gang Awareness

What is a gang?

A gang may be described as a group of people who may individually or together commit unlawful, criminal, or violent acts for financial gain, "control" over a certain territory, or promotion of the gang. A gang may use specific clothing, hairstyles, marks on the body, or graffiti to identify its existence, members, activities, or territory. Gangs today are younger, more affluent, from all races, genders, and cultures.

The California State Penal Code, Section 186.22(A) describes a gang member as "any person who actively participates in any criminal street gang with knowledge that its members engage in, or have engaged in, a pattern of criminal gang activity, and who willfully promote, further, or assist in any felonious criminal conduct by members of that gang."

Why do people join gangs?

Children join gangs for many reasons, including the power and excitement of gang activity, financial gain, lack of self-esteem, fear caused by racial tension or another gang, the feeling of protection and belonging, family problems, family tradition, idle time, peer pressure, and a lack of understanding of the dangers involved.

Parents often don't know their children are active in a gang until it's too late...when they're in too deep. In some families, parents don't discourage gang activity. Young gang members and "wannabes" rarely comprehend the violence involved in gangs, or the finality of death.

Why should I care about gang behavior?

Anyone can be a target of gang violence (drive-bys, hate crimes, car-jacking, victim of extortion or robbery). In Santa Clarita, violence has included gang vs. gang, gang vs. gang look-alikes, and gang vs. innocent victims.
A young person may create a very dangerous situation if he/she chooses to antagonize or fight with a member of a gang.
Gang participation may be forced as repayment of a debt or favor; children should not accept a loan, gift, or favor from anyone they do not know well.
Children are the best source of information for the school and community about gang activity. They should be encouraged to use school and community hotlines to anonymously report any suspected gang activity (weapons, drugs, theft, extortion of money) on or near the campus and in the community (661) 284-2TIP.
Even your child could be lured by the image of "belonging," protection, power, and money that gangs attempt to portray.

What are the signs of gang involvement?

Significant changes in friendships, style of dress, evasiveness about activities, and reduced interest in family (exceeding normal adolescent behavior) are all warning signs of gang or drug involvement. Be observant. If you suspect that your child is involved with gangs, he/she may well be involved. Take action immediately. Don't be caught later saying, "I thought there was a problem."

Wake-Up Signs

Do your child and his new friends all dress in the same colors and style their hair similarly? Gang attire and hairstyles, like other fashion trends, are constantly changing. However, the wearing of loose clothing and baggy pants is traditional because it easily conceals weapons. Other signs may include:

Graffiti on school notebooks, clothing, or items in student's room
Tattoos, cigarettes burns, or body marks indicating initiation into a gang
Possession of items you have not seen before (i.e. watches, wallets, walkmans, beepers, valuables)
Possession of large sums of money or expensive items that cannot be explained
Staying out later than usual, away a lot
Desiring excessive privacy
Associating with undesirables, "strangers" coming to the house
Withdrawing from family members
Developing attitude problems with parents, teachers, or those in authority
Use of alcohol and other drugs
Decline in school attendance/grades
Use of gang verbiage, hand signs
Use of nicknames
Possession of firearm(s)
Trouble with the law

NOTE: These are possible, but not conclusive, signs of gang involvement. Contact the SCV Sheriff's Station COBRA Unit at (661) 255-1121 for more information on current gang styles and behaviors. Parents have the right to search their child's room.

Risk factors of gang/drug involvement

Ineffective parenting and supervision
Excessive idle time
Low self-esteem, lack of personal identity
Need for attention
Limited English-speaking home
Conflict between home/school culture
Conflict between parent/child culture, generation gap - especially if parents were raised in a different country
Lack of responsibility
Fear for personal safety
Stressful home life
Behavior/discipline problems
Parental abuse
Alcohol and other drug abuse
Community inattentive to alcohol/drug use
Family members involved in gangs
Low exposure to prevention programs
Low teacher expectations, negative school environment
Low educational and occupational aspirations
Negative police involvement

Joining a gang assures a child's exposure to alcohol and other dangerous drugs, illegal activity, weapons, and violence, and increases his/her chances of dropping out of school and ending up in prison or dead.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, gangs are active in and around our cities. We cannot completely insulate our cities from the effects of outlying areas, but we can help "gang-proof" our children. Following is a list of guidelines on gang prevention.

Gang prevention

Place a high priority on expressing acceptance, love, and support to your child. Don't assume that high school-aged kids are less in need of these expressions than younger adolescents.
Know your child's friends and their parents.
Know your child's whereabouts.
Monitor school attendance, by periods and entire days.
Reduce the time your child spends alone at home and/or "hanging around."
Teach and model clear standards of right, wrong, and responsibility.
Set and enforce rules for behavior; be diligent.
Limit the time your child spends out of the home in the evenings.
Involve your child in family "helping" projects, which aid others in need and develop compassion and responsibility.
Become an active participant in your child's education by monitoring progress, offering support, attending parent meetings, and supporting the school.
Involve your child in sports, clubs, music, or other groups to give him/her a sense of group identification.
Talk with your child about gang values and violence. Be an accurate source of information. Utilize the services of the SCV Sheriff's Station, public libraries, and the local school district for information and videos on the subject.
Support activities through community centers, recreation departments, schools, churches, and youth organizations, which offer young people a place to gather and do constructive things together.
If possible, remove your child from any situation in which you suspect he/she is being actively recruited.
Act early. Pre-gang behavior can start in elementary school. Gang affiliation is usually solidified by junior high school.
Do not allow your child to style his/her hair, dress like, or mimic gang members. Gang recruiting, confrontation, or escalation to violence may occur.
Report suspected gang recruiting on or near your campus to the school principal.
Contact your school to anonymously report any information about gang activity, weapons, drugs, or any activity that could put students in harm's way.
If your child is already a member of a gang, you will need outside help. It is not advisable to intercede in gang activity on your own. For advice and information, contact the SCV Sheriff's Station and gang prevention organizations from the Community Resource section in the back of this booklet and in your phone book.

Zero Tolerance Policies

Sexual harassment

The school districts in Santa Clarita do not tolerate sexual harassment by either employees or students. Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome leering, sexual flirtations, or propositions
Unwelcome sexual slurs, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments, or sexually degrading descriptions
Graphic verbal comments about an individual's body or overly personal conversation
Sexual jokes, stories, drawings, pictures, or gestures
Spreading sexual rumors
Touching an individual's body or clothes in a sexual way
Cornering or blocking of normal movements
Displaying sexual objects in the educational or work environment

Violence and/or drugs

The school districts in Santa Clarita do not tolerate persons involved in violence and/or drugs in the schools and communities.

Simply put, young people who use or sell drugs, commit serious acts of violence, or possess weapons at or near schools will be turned over the appropriate police agency for criminal prosecution.

Community Action Programs

Our community provides programs that help young people and their parents make good decisions for life. Some of the programs offered are:

ACTION

Parent and teen support groups created to help individuals cope with the worry, pain, and frustration associated with being a parent. ACTION groups gather to offer each other support and practical solutions to problems. This program offers a safe place to talk, cry, laugh, and discuss parenting issues with others who can offer practical solutions. Other services offered by this program are individual and family therapy, emergency crisis services, and a 24-hour hotline.

Anti-Gang Task Force

Community members and representatives from schools, law enforcement, and civic organizations work together to find and support programs which help kids to stay out of gangs.

Character Counts

Character Counts is a Citywide effort to strengthen the youth and families of Santa Clarita through character building. Founded on the "Six Pillars of Character," this program offers ideas and activities to businesses, schools, and community groups seeking to incorporate character education into their curricula.

COBRA

Upon request, the SCV Sheriff's Station COBRA Unit will make presentations to schools and other groups on safety, alcohol and drug abuse, the law, and topics specific to young children.

Community Center

The Community Center, located in Newhall, caters to a wide variety of residents ranging from young children to older adults. Recreational, educational, and wellness programming are provided to the community. The Community Center also serves as a facility to host community projects and meetings.

Drug Education

Funding is provided for a Sheriff's Deputy from the COBRA team to present a two-day drug education program to seventh grade students. This program augments the current drug education curriculum taught at the schools.

Family Violence Task Force

Funding from the State of California Office of Criminal Justice Planning provides for a Violence Against Women Response Unit. Grant funds are used for an investigator dedicated to violence against women cases, community education and prevention, and the Family Violence Task Force.

Gang Education

This grant-funded program provides a Sheriff's Deputy to present a three-day gang education program to all seventh-grade students in Santa Clarita. This program is presented in conjunction with the teen issues/health classes in all junior high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District.

Job Skills Program

Gives youth, ages 18-22, the opportunity to gain work experience. This 6-month rotational program is a paid, intensive rotational program working in the Public Works Department of the City. Each individual is exposed to the basic skills of vehicle maintenance, general maintenance, concrete repair, and street maintenance.

Operation US

High school students develop and facilitate presentations to elementary school youth about the value of diversity and help them find positive ways to resolve inter-group conflict. The presentations involve games, skits, videos, and small and large group discussions.

Parent Education

Parent Education includes the Parent Project and Pride in Parenting. The Parent Project is a program designed to help parents deal effectively with out-of-control adolescents. Pride in Parenting encourages parents in Santa Clarita to take advantage of parenting classes and resources available through an automated telephone database. It also includes an incentive program that offers parenting rewards.

Success Through Awareness and Resistance (STAR)

STAR is a drug and alcohol education and prevention program. Currently funded by the City of Santa Clarita for all 4-6 grade students. This program will be incorporated into the 7th grade as a pilot program to complement the existing Here's Looking at You 2000 curriculum.

Summer Youth Employment

The Summer Youth Employment Program provides economically or educationally disadvantaged young adults an opportunity to gain work experience through a guided mentor program. Youth are strategically placed at different agencies for an average of 200 hours throughout the summer to learn various skills in a nurturing environment.

Tattoo Removal Program

Teens, who are willing to make positive changes in their lives, have their tattoos removed by local Dermatologist, Dr. Bernard Raskin. In return for this service, teens agree to complete 16 hours of community service and participate in some form of further education.

Teens on Target

A school-based program that teaches prevention and intervention techniques and provides a cooperative approach to violence prevention and intervention. Teen on Target specializes in issues of gang violence and gang membership by working with high-risk youth that have been associated with gangs and involved in high-risk behavior.

We Care for Youth

We Care for Youth is a program that prepares our young people for life in the work place. Taught by volunteer instructors, the focus of the program is to instill confidence and pride in our youth and give them the tools they needed to become productive members of society.

Youth in Government

Offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors a first-hand experience in local government. Students participate in this 4-month program to become familiar with the inner workings of City government.

Things to Do In and Around Our Community

It is important for students to put aside time for themselves - to have fun, meet challenges, and make new friends. Local community centers, churches and schools are good places to find youth groups, clubs, service activities, sports, and classes that offer challenge, adventure, and fun. Some local activities involving adults who enjoy helping kids grow and enjoy life are:

Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department - (661) 255-4910

YMCA - (661) 253-3593

SC Boys and Girls Club - (661) 254-2582

Community Center - (661) 286-4006

Santa Clarita Sports Complex - (661) 284-1458

Additional activities like karate, drama, horseback riding, rollerblading, and skiing can provide the thrills and adventure some kids seek. Other children will prefer cooking, craft, dance, or artistic classes. You can find all these activities in our community. Network with other parents and school-based parent associations, for recommendations and/or consult the index of your Yellow Pages to find specific information.

The job of parenting is so much easier when children are challenged and too busy to think about drugs and other destructive activities.

Counseling

Counseling is an opportunity to discuss personal issues, which are negatively impacting your life, with a trained or licensed therapist in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality.

Most often your child's friends, or other parents and relatives who are good listeners, can help your child make decisions. However, if your child's problems seem too difficult or personal to discuss with you or a friend, he/she may need the help of a trained counselor.

Counseling can clarify options, choices, and issues necessary to bring about positive change. Professional counseling helps individuals take responsibility for their own actions and make more knowledgeable decisions for greater personal satisfaction and enjoyment of life.

Free counseling services may be available through your child's school. In addition, several local counseling centers have sliding fee scales, which are based on what you can afford. Services may include child and teen groups, individual and family therapy, play therapy, and special services such as parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and many others.

Resources for local and affordable counseling services are listed in the Community Resource section on the following pages. Call to determine the services available, fees, and appointment times. Don't let anything keep you or your child from getting the help needed.

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