Keeping a child drug and alcohol free through the adolescent years can be a challenge. Parents, however, do have the power to influence the decisions that their kids make. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teens who report feeling close to their families were the least likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana or cigarettes.

The speaker for this program is Dr. James Guidi, Psy.D. and CEO of The Youth Campus in Park Ridge, a nonprofit organization serving abused and neglected children. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, a certified alcohol and other drug abuse counselor (CADC), and he holds a certificate of proficiency in the treatment of alcohol and other psychoactive substance use disorders from the College of Professional Psychology of the American Psychology Association. Dr. Guidi has extensive experience working with substance-abusing adolescents and their families, including clinical work at Gateway Foundation, Youth Outreach Services, the Juvenile Division of the Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, and the Scott Nolan Center.

Dr. Guidi will be addressing the following issues:

• The latest research about drug and alcohol use and the development of the adolescent brain.
• What parents can do to influence their child's decisions about whether or not to use alcohol or drugs.
• It's typical for TEENS to want their privacy.....But did you know their room could be a danger zone for alcohol and drug use? Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF) and MaineStay will be sponsoring refreshments and "STAY Out of My Room!!" in the lower level. Please visit our actual teen bedroom and discover all the evidence of drug and alcohol use.

Whether you have pre-teen or a teen, this program is for you. Illinois Youth Survey results report that the average age a Maine Township youth starts experimenting with alcohol is 13.2 years old. It's better to start talking before they try using.

This program is sponsored by Maine Township and the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF) and is free! Pre-registration is advised.

• There is no charge for this event.
• The presention will be held at the Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge.
• The doors will open at 6:30 PM.
• We cannot provide childcare at this event.

To register fill out a registration form and return it to us via email, postal mail, or drop it off in person. For more information please call 847-297-2510.