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Who
: Sheriff Vincent DeMarco; Legislator Wayne Horsley; Legislator John Kennedy; Jerry Gentile, Parents Against Drug Dealing; Janene Gentile, Director, North Shore Youth Council
What
: Press Conference Unveiling of “Test, Don’t Guess” Drug Test Kit Program and a YES Program Jail Tour
Where
: Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; 100 Center Drive, Riverhead
When
: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.
On Thursday, November 19th Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco will unveil the new “Test, Don’t Guess” Drug Test Kit Program- an awareness program aimed at empowering parents to engage in active intervention if they suspect their children of having a drug problem.
Test kits
have been purchased by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and will be made available to residents in SuffolkCounty. The kits were not paid for by taxpayers but funded with money seized from drug dealers. The program aims to offer free drug test kits that can be used in privacy to assist parents and guardians with monitoring the behavior of their children who are under the age of 18.
The test kits give parents a tool to engage in the critical conversations about drug use; and offer a method for parents who suspect their child may be using illegal substances to be reassured of their judgment and seek professional help if needed.
Enhanced Personal JAIL Tours
Additionally, beginning in November 2009, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is expanding the Youth Enlightenment Seminar (YES)
Program to allow parents to accompany their children into the Riverhead County Correctional Facility to experience first-hand what life may be like if their drug or alcohol abuse leads them into incarceration. This program is offered by appointment only and is designed to provide a realistic lesson to young people about how their current path may affect their future.
A YES tour will be given following the press conference.
Online Substance Abuse Resource Guide
The Sheriff’s Office has a comprehensive online listing of substance abuse resources available at www.suffolksheriff.com for parents to utilize in order to get the help and support they need.
CONTACT: Anthony Manetta at 631-793-9645
Sheriff Vincent DeMarco 631-853-2732 // 631-852-2205
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