1999 Comprehensive Community
Assessment
WARRICK COUNTY SUBCOMMITTEE
MEETING
December 8, 1999
Issue to be studied: Drugs (#1 issue on survey)
Definition of terms: Illegal use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by adults that negatively impact youth.
Contributing Causes:
Ø Lack of knowledge/awareness of community leaders and adults in positions of authority of use, abuse and addiction;
Ø Over-employment causing gaps in parental supervision (latchkey children);
Ø Working poor lacking ability to support extracurricular activities for their children;
Ø Ready availability of drugs;
Ø Lack of responsible adult supervision;
Ø Adults turning a blind eye to drug activity and use by youth;
Ø Adults don’t support laws regarding ATOD;
Ø Lack of awareness of dangers/consequences of youth drug use;
Ø Acceptance of drug use by peers and/or family;
Ø Social acceptability of recreational drug use;
Ø Loneliness;
Ø Depression/mental health issues;
Ø Drugs make people feel better;
Ø Sexual abuse or other abuse in the home;
Ø Lack of affordable treatment;
Desired Outcomes:
Ø Adult/youth ATOD arrests reduced;
Ø Recidivism reduced;
Ø Adults/youth respect ATOD laws;
Ø Adults/youth respect boundaries;
Ø Adults/youth less likely to illegally use or abuse ATOD;
Ø Youths have positive adult role models delivering clear messages;
Ø Community-wide norm is that illegal use of drugs and drug abuse are not acceptable;
Ø After-school activities available to all youth regardless of income;
Ø Adults break through their own denial systems;
Ø Parents/adults identify their own behaviors that may be negatively impacting youth;
Ø Parents/adults are more involved with youth as positive role models;
Ø Parents/adults change their own behaviors that may be negatively impacting youth.
Define focus group participants:
1) Youth – Grade School
2) Youth – Jr. High School
3) Youth – High School
4) Recovered alcohol adults
List questions to ask focus group participants:
Ø Left for research professionals.
Subcommittee Participants:
Harry Strader, WEVV
Therese Baronowsky, United Way
Lee King, United Way Allocations Volunteer
Tiffany Corne, Warrick Community Foundation
Beth Sluys, Commission for Drug Free Indiana
Karen Barclay, Warrick County Council on Aging
Alvin Holder, Warrick County School Board
Diana Hamilton, SWIMH
Nancy Susott, Warrick Superior Courts
Gina Berridge, Warrick School Corporation
Tanya Hachmeister, Warrick Step Ahead
Tom O’Connor, Rolling Hills Country Club
Linda Ringle, Warrick Red Cross Volunteer
Fr. Joseph Ziliak, St. John Catholic Church