Strategy 4: Problem Identification & Referral

Definition: This strategy provides informational and referral services to individuals experiencing first use of illegal drugs or age-inappropriate use of alcohol. 

Do No Harm...

When we speak to our School Site Prevention Coordinators about this strategy, we stress to them that their Red Ribbon Celebration activities should not traumatize the students at their school sites.

Even when alcohol, tobacco, other drug and violence issues are addressed in caring ways, very painful feelings may be brought to the surface of some of the children you are trying to serve. To help prevent or manage these situations, you should:

• Plan ahead and consider how your activities might stir uncomfortable or stressful feelings. 

• Make sure that you consult with qualified staff regarding potential issues prior to hosting an activity or event that may have negative implications.

• Let teachers, staff and parents know in advance about the topics or issues your activity will address if you think they may make some students feel anxious or stressed.

• Have appropriate resource information available for a student, parent, teacher or anyone else who may need additional support.  Talk with your school psychologist or school district Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator.

• Provide an opportunity for students to talk about their feelings and concerns regarding what they saw, heard and learned with their teacher, school counselor or other qualified staff after the program or presentation.
• Develop talking points for teachers to use in the classroom, or for parents to use at home.  Communication will help adults recognize when a student may need additional support and/or referrals.
• Have resource materials available, including telephone numbers and/or web sites, for those who need them.
• Send information home to parents in advance to let them know the issues that will be discussed.  Provide resource information for them as well.

Do you need help finding local resources and service providers?  It may take a little bit of effort on your part but is time well spent. The truth is, identifying community resources is probably easier than you think. 

• Visit the Join Together Online website.  They feature a National Database that you can search that is easy to use!  (Be sure to register in case someone is looking to collaborate with you!)
• Ask your school district "Title IV Safe & Drug Free Schools Coordinator" (every school district has one) if he/she has a list of resources.
• Ask your city community services department and the police department crime prevention bureau or prevention officers (a.k.a DARE Officers) if they have a list of resources.
• Ask your local county's health care agency if they have a list of service providers.

After you contact these agencies/people, you should have compiled a comprehensive list of local resources.  Use this information to create your own Resource Directory to disseminate to your parents, teachers, students.

For teachers to use in the classroom.

• Classroom discussions provide students an opportunity to talk about their feelings and concerns.  They also reinforce the prevention message, while helping teachers identify/recognize a student who may need additional support from a school counselor, psychologist or others.

For parents to use at home.

• Discussions at home are most important.  If you take the time to let parents know about your upcoming Red Ribbon Celebration activities, and if you provide them with talking points and other useful information, you may stimulate the most important conversations of all.

It is important to note that researchers have found that scare tactics are not effective prevention strategies.

Refer to our resources for help.

Next: Strategy 5: Community Based Process