Though it's been around for about five years, the "party pact" is rarely used by parents in London and the surrounding communities. Police would like that to change.

"The party pact contract sets guidelines for a teen staying in the home [alone] and authorizes police to enter if they receive a complaint from neighbours. 'It's not like we'll be driving by consistently, but the parents and the teenager are aware that we can go in if we are needed,' [Constable John] Reurink said."

When used, the Party Pact is signed by parents who are going out of town and suspect that their teenage child might throw a party while they're away. It gives local police the authority to enter the home and press charges for drug or alcohol offenses. Read more at LFPress.ca.

Worried about what may happen at your house when you're away? If your child was at a private boarding school, then a teen house party would be one less thing to worry about. Visit BoardingSchoolsInfo.com for a comprehensive list of the best private boarding schools.

Labels: agreements, communication, responsibilty

A juvenile treatment center in St. Paul, Minnesota is trying to teach at-risk young men something about patience and discipline by having them teach those principles to "at-risk" dogs. The dogs, residents of an animal sanctuary called Home for Life, have been deemed unfit for adoption and many have come from abusive or neglectful situations.

"Five students meet with the dogs twice a week for eight weeks, and during the program they'll also take field trips to observe different careers involving animals - from the University of Minnesota veterinary program to doggie hydrotherapy... At the end of the program, the teens run their dogs through the Therapy Dogs International certification test."

Though the program is only in its second season, it's being considered a success. As the teens learn to gently persuade and teach the dogs, they experience success that boosts their confidence and helps them begin to heal from their own abusive or otherwise destructive pasts.

Learn more about SunHawk Academy, a residential drug treatment center, for teens struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

Labels: responsibilty, therapy, treatment_programs

CAYA - the Coalition of Adolescents and Young Adults - is a youth program aimed at engaging young people in discussions about substance abuse, youth violence, and other issues. It's a three year program that culminates with the creation of a media project.

"Students join the program is sixth grade - the age... when students are most vulnerable and in need of guidance. They are taught information about making wise choices in various situations in life over the years and will work on the media project as the final showcase of what they learned."

This first media project - titled "Better Choices for a Better Future" - was unveiled at a red carpet event that was attended by many who are active in the community. The benefits of the program were praised and many expressed excitement over CAYA's continued work.

Want to learn more about teen drug abuse? Visit Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com.

Labels: choices, media, responsibilty