Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council (CASAC) is offering an educational session for community members and professionals on how we can keep youth drug free. The session is entitled “Mission Possible: Keeping Our Youth Drug Free.”

Laurie Reynolds, M.S., will present this session on Friday, May 8, from 1-4 p.m. This three-hour course is scheduled to be offered at the James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St., Fireplace Room, Jamestown.

This training is intended for the community, including, but not limited to, parents, teachers, social workers and counselors. The training will offer participants ways to address drug-related issues/concerns in a proactive and assertive way. Information will be provided on common drug facts and current trends, while assessing and identifying the substance abuse indicators – signs and symptoms – of youth. In addition, we will be assessing the county’s school data and the social norms relating to the data. The training will include identifying and understanding the children of alcoholics (COA) and the roles they play in the classroom environment as well as in the home. Furthermore, the participants will be able to strategize how to confront a youth’s drug use/abuse; know how to identify the signs of drug use/abuse; and where and how to access the community’s resources.

Community members interested in the topic are welcome and encouraged to attend. This course is also suitable for those seeking professional credentialing as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) or Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS). The 3 CPP/CPS (Sec. 2) hours are approved for initial credit hours and for CASAC renewal by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.

CASAC training offerings are suitable for community members that are aspiring to learn more about addictions and other related topics to improve their lives and the lives of others. This course work is also recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board through reciprocity.

CASAC offers a number of community and professional educational opportunities throughout the year. Individualized on-site training, depending upon staff needs, is available. All trainings can be designed either as an in-service training, conference or workshop.

The fee is $30, and pre-registration is required. To register for the course, contact CASAC or Kathleen Colby, director of training services, 664-3608, kjcolby@casacweb.org visit www.casacweb.org.