A primary focus of the meeting was on the potential sponsorship of programs by Dr. Kelly Moore and Robert Hackinson. Dr. Moore’s program addresses adverse childhood experiences and aims to teach children how to make positive decisions. Hackinson’s presentation is designed to help students navigate challenging situations safely. The committee expressed interest in these programs, acknowledging their potential benefits, and intended to gather more information about their costs and implementation.

The discussion then turned to the “Strengthening Families” program, a grant-funded initiative targeting children aged 10 to 14 and their caregivers. The program includes a shared dinner and separate sessions for parents and youth, focusing on communication and setting boundaries, followed by a family session.

The director of Prevention Services at Wellspring, Mara Carlin, presented various evidence-based programs conducted in schools and communities. These programs cover a range of topics from vaping to social media use and trauma-informed classrooms. Mara highlighted the organization’s mission to reduce substance misuse and raise awareness about mental health issues. She also discussed the “Wise” program for seniors, engaging them in topics related to aging and quality of life. The committee showed interest in these programs and sought clarification on the reach of the services provided.

Additionally, the committee deliberated on a Parent Academy program focusing on online privacy, child predators, and cyberbullying. They explored the idea of organizing a similar program for students, emphasizing the importance of cyber safety. The success of a recent social-emotional learning event was acknowledged, and plans for future Parent Institute events were discussed.

The committee addressed the temporary hold on the “Hidden in Plain Sight” program, historically run by a retired police officer. They considered alternative presenters to keep this initiative active, as it plays a role in educating parents about substance misuse. The committee also touched on the need for individual counseling referrals for parents struggling with child-related difficulties.

Updates on the creation of parent-student fact sheets were presented, with an emphasis on early awareness and intervention in mental health and substance abuse among teenagers. The committee acknowledged the need to vet the information to ensure credibility and prevent bias. They also highlighted upcoming webinars and free training on opioid use disorder, trauma, and health disparities.

During the public comments section, a community member suggested expanding cyber safety presentations to include senior citizens. Concerns were raised about the timing of certain presentations and the vetting of materials bearing the township’s name. The committee responded by changing the date of their June meeting to prevent conflict with the last day of school.