Helping our youth become responsible, healthy adults is the number one priority for Prevention and Recovery Services.  We are dedicated to improving the our communities, and offer prevention services to youth and families in several different ways.

Youth Evaluations

Youth who use substances cause damage to their developing brains and put themselves at risk for problem behaviors like delinquency, school drop out, violence, teen pregnancy and mental illness. 

While it is best to intervene before a youth begins using substances, sometimes that isn't possible.  That is why PARS offers substance abuse assessments for youth and their families. 

For years, PARS has provided alcohol and drug evaluations to youth from the Shawnee County area at no cost.  Like many other agencies, PARS’s programs are subject to change as funding sources change.  During these transitions, it is especially important to PARS that funding be used in a wise and responsible manner.

While the Youth Evaluation program at PARS has traditionally accepted referrals from any source, the original intent of the program was to serve area school districts.  PARS will continue to accept all referrals, however, effective January 1, 2012 clients referred from non-school sources will be assessed a fee of $25 to be paid in CASH at the PARS office at the time that the appointment for service is made.  This fee is non-refundable.  School-referred clients will continue to be served at no-cost.

The evaluation consists of a 2 1/2 hour session with a licensed substance use disorder counselor - a parent or guardian is required to attend.

After carefully considering all information learned during the evaluation process, the counselor makes individualized recommendations regarding next steps for the youth and family. 

To learn more about youth evaluations, click here.

Not sure if it is time for an evaluation?  Click here.

Prevention Education

Prevention Education is a key component in teaching kids skills to refuse alcohol and drugs, resolve conflict, and to promote self-awareness and responsibility. 

Providing evidence-based curriculum to youth is shown to improve academics, behavior, and character.  Prevention education curriculums address multiple risk factors that help our youth achieve healthier outcomes and prevent problem behaviors.

PARS delivers Positive Action curriculum to youth who have been referred as a result of a substance abuse evaluation.  We also teach agencies and groups to deliver Positive Action in other venues. 

Strengthening Families is another evidence based curriculum that PARS staff are trained to deliver.  This class is designed for 10- to 14-year-old youth and their parents/guardians. 

We are always looking for new partnerships in the community!  If your group would like to explore the possibility of new collaborations, contact us.