Prevention director:
Dr. Jeff Shelton, PhD

Prevention staff:
Sheilah Gresham
Geraldine Minter
Kathy White

Community Services Board
(Main Office)
224 Great Bridge Blvd.
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
(757) 547-3336 (Phone)
(757) 819-6149 (Fax)
(757) 819-6327 (TDD)

Map to Location

2005-2006 ONLINE Resources Directory

Privacy Policy

For Emergency Services/Crisis Intervention, please call:
548-7000

Community Services Board

Prevention Services

Prevention services are designed to empower individuals, families, communities and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions. Our focus involves creating and implementing conditions that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.  

Are some people more likely to develop problems with substance abuse than others?

Yes, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) finds that certain populations are at higher risk for substance abuse, particularly those with family members who abuse alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

What can parents do to help prevent underage drinking and drug use?

• Learn the warning signs and how drugs and alcohol can harm your child’s mind, body and emotions.
• Talk often and early with your child. Tell you children what you expect from them if they are offered drugs or alcohol.
• Get involved with your child’s activities. Encourage your children to participate in supervised groups, clubs, and events that are challenging, fun and drug-free.
• Be a good role model. Think about what you say and how you act in front of your child.
• Teach your kids to choose friends wisely and how to form positive relationships.
• Set the rule - no riding with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs. Tell them to call you if they find themselves in that situation, and assure them you will come and get them, or help them find a way to get home safely.
• Remind them of your rules and the consequences of breaking those rules.

If you find drugs or alcohol in your child’s room or backpack, or see signs of drug use, do not ignore it. Take action. Remember, as parents, the earlier you start talking to your child about drinking and using drugs, the more influence you may have on their values and decisions. Several short conversations are better than one long lecture. And finally, let them know how proud you are of the good decisions they make!

How can you make a difference and get involved?

The Chesapeake Assessment and Planning Partnership (CAPP) is a coalition of Chesapeake residents as well as members of various organizations and agencies. The current focus is on identifying the problems associated with “out of school time” which is commonly referred to as the critical hours of 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm when youth are left unsupervised. For more information, please call Geraldine Minter at 547-3336 or gminter@chesapeakecsb.net. 

Information for Parents

3 Things parents need to know about alcohol use by young people:

• Drinking in childhood is a serious problem
• Warning signs can help parents spot a problem
• Parents can take action and make a difference in their child’s health and well-being now and in the future.

Numbers Count

• Children who drink alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely than those who start after age 21 to have an alcohol problem as adults
• About 10.8 million underage persons age 12-20 (almost 30%) reported drinking alcohol in the past month. That’s more than the total population of Michigan, the 8th largest state. Or, think of it this way - that’s about one of every four children between the ages of 14 and 19!
• Nearly 7.4 million (20%) were binge drinkers, about the same as the number of people living in Virginia, the 12th largest state.

What should parents look for?

Mental and emotional changes:

• Memory lapses, poor concentration
• Mood changes, flare-ups, irritability and defensiveness
• A nothing matters attitude

Behavioral changes:

• School problems, poor attendance, low grades and recent disciplinary actions
• Rebelling against family rules
• Switching friends, along with a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends
• Sloppy appearance
• A lack of involvement in former interests

Physical changes:

• Low energy
• Bloodshot eyes
• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech

Prevention Resources:

Family Guide - Teen Substance Abuse and Children's Mental Health
Designed for parents and other adults involved in the lives of 7- to 18-year-olds, the Family Guide Web site emphasizes the importance of family, promotes mental health, and helps prevent underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

The 40 Developmental Assets
Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

MVP Parents
All parents want their children to succeed. But knowing how to help them make smart choices and avoid pitfalls isn't always easy. That's where MVParents.com comes in. Think of us as your trusted resource for raising smart, strong, responsible kids.

Resistance Skills: Effective Responses to Negative Pressure
How to respond to negative pressure.

Your Greatest Supporters
A worksheet to use on your own or with your child.