LIFESKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
LifeSkills Training program is a science-based curriculum that has been shown to be effective in reducing tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse by as much as 87%. The primary goals of the LifeSkills Training program are to teach prevention related information, promote anti-drug norms, teach drug refusal skills, and foster the development of personal self-management skills and general social skills. The curriculum provides the information and skills that young people need to prevent the initiation of high risk behaviors.  LifeSkills Training has distinct elementary (8-11 years old) and middle school (11-14 years old) curriculums that are delivered in a series of classroom sessions over 3 years.  The sessions use lecture, discussion, coaching, and practice to enhance student self-esteem, feelings of self-worth, ability to make decisions, and ability to resist peer and media pressure. LifeSkills Training is recognized as a model program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The LifeSkills Training Program is available to any elementary or middle school in Ottawa County at no cost.  The program is currently provided in Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools, Put-in-Bay Schools, Genoa Schools, Port Clinton City Schools, and Danbury Schools. The LifeSkills Training Program was chosen by the Ottawa County Partnerships for Success as the preferred prevention program for Ottawa County youth. Staff providing the program have received LifeSkills training. For further information contact Kylie Davis at 419 734 2942 ext. 33.

SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION SERVICES
School-Based Prevention Services are available to schools in Ottawa County. This type of service is commonly customized to the needs of the school and may include individual and group prevention services. Often prevention services are geared to issues specific to the school or student needs. For further information contact Kylie Davis ext. 33.

Prevention services that are currently being provided in Ottawa County include:
♦Alternative Learning Education Class (ALEC) at Camper School in Genoa.  For further information contact Kathy Cochran at 419 855 3589
♦Student Achievement Program (virtual learning program) at the Ottawa County Early Childhood Center in Oak Harbor.  For further information contact Kathy Cochran at 419 898 0077
♦Benton-Carroll-Salem - middle school.  For further information contact Mary Beth Ott at 419 734 2942 ext. 18.
♦Put-in-Bay Schools - For further information contact Mary Beth Ott at 419 734 2942 ext. 18.
 
ACTIVE PARENTING NOW IN 3
Active Parenting Now in 3 combines video, activities and discussion to help parents of children ages 5 to12 learn how to use nonviolent discipline, positive communication and effective encouragement. This parenting program was chosen not only because it has 20 years of evidence that it works but because we know parents are busy and need to learn skills that they can use to improve their families now, as soon as possible. The 3 two-hour sessions focus on skills parents can begin using right away. Included is a parents guide and completion certificate. There is no fee for this program. For further information contact Kylie Davis at 419 734 2942 ext. 33.

SENSIBLE APPROACH:  CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE
Sensible Approach is a workshop required by the Ottawa County Common Pleas Court for all parents with minor children who are parties to a divorce or dissolution. This workshop is provided as a collaborative effort between The Giving Tree and the Ottawa County Common Pleas Court.  The workshop focus is Children in the Middle - a two hour skills based program that teaches parents how to support and assist their children as they adapt to changing family relationships. The program consists of an introduction, childrens reactions to divorce, divorce vs. conflict, and skills training.  A workbook  is provided to each parent. Upon completion of the program a certificate of attendance is sent to the court. The program is conducted by trained mental health professionals who are experienced in working with families. Each parent is responsible for registering for the program. The workshop is $30.00/person and payment is required prior to the program. Children are not allowed to attend. Grandparents, significant others, and step parents who may be making decisions that affect the child are encouraged to attend voluntarily but must pre-register and pay the workshop fee.  For further information contact 419 734 2942 ext. 0.

PARENTS FORUM
The Parents Forum is provided to any interested parents and meets for 1 1/2 hrs. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. The Forum provides education, strategies, and skills parents can utilize to intervene in such a way as to arrest the progression of alcohol and/or other drug problems in youth. There is no fee for this services. For further information contact Kim Brown at 419 734 2942 ext. 21.