Whether we raised them in a strict household or a liberal one, weaned them early or late, were divorced or together, lived in privilege or poverty, every parent today has cause for concern about their teen’s risky behaviors, especially substance abuse.   To address this important subject, Child and Family Services and the Makin’ it Happen Coalition presents a conference for industry professionals and community forum for parents.  There will also be a community forum located in Lebanon put on by Child and Family Services of NH.  The events feature guest lecturer Michael Nerney, an expert on adolescent brain development and a consultant in substance abuse prevention and education.    

Internationally renowned, Michael Nerney comes to NH with over 25 years of experience in the field, 12 of which were as a teacher and coach in junior high and high schools.  He has worked with federal and state agencies including the Federal Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, New York State’s Education Department, Department of Social Services, Department of Correctional Services and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, among others.   He also wrote and was awarded a federal grant under the Youth-At-Risk Act, to design and deliver training programs for residential facilities within the New York State Division for Youth.

Nerney’s particular areas of expertise include psycho-pharmacology, adolescent chemical dependency, relapse prevention, gender differences in communication and managing violent incidents.   He has served as a consultant for two major television networks, most recently appearing on ABC’s 20/20.   

What Are They Thinking?  The Adolescent Brain:  Substance Abuse and Risky Behavior is the theme of the community forums that are designed to help with understanding the rebellious and often dangerous behaviors and activities of tweens and teens.  The forums will also help parents with building communication and trust with their child and with setting boundaries and consequences for adolescents.   Forums will be presented in Manchester and Lebanon and are specially designed for parents, coaches, youth, etc. The events are free and refreshments will be provided.   The forums will happen as follows:  Tuesday, October 16 at Manchester Central High School’s McAllister Hall and Wednesday, October 17 at the Marriott Courtyard in Lebanon.  Both forums will take place from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  For information and to register for the Manchester event, call 603-622-6116;  for the Lebanon event, call 603-298-8237.

Child and Family Services and the Makin’ it Happen Coalition will also present a conference for industry professionals, including therapists, educators, healthcare providers and other professionals who work with adolescents.  The Adolescent Brain:  Substance Abuse & Other Risky Behaviors, will be presented on Wednesday, October 17, 9:00am – 3:00pm, at the Manchester Health Department.    The presentation features the latest research on the structure and neuro-chemistry of the adolescent brain, explores the psychological and social motivations for drug use, reveals the signs and symptoms of at-risk youth, explores elements of treatment and examines prevention and intervention strategies.     

For the professional day, there is a registration fee of $25.00 per person; breakfast and lunch will be provided. Continuing education credits are available.  For further information and to register, please visit www.makinithappen.org or call 622-6116 ext.11. Registration deadline is October 12.   

These special presentations by Child and Family Services and the Makin’ it Happen Coalition are made possible through the generous support of the Drug Free Community Supports Program and the Upper Valley Regional Division of the NH Charitable Foundation.

Child and Family Services of NH is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to advancing the well-being of children and families for over 156 years.  For further information on the organization call 1-800-640-6486.

Makin' it Happen Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth using a unique, challenging, and proven approach to building positive attitudes in youth.  For further information on Makin’ it Happen, visit www.makinithappen.org or call 622-6116.