Two teen forums on drug and alcohol use, cosponsored by the sheriff’s office and Build A Generation with the cooperation of the Buena Vista and Salida police departments, were presented on two successive evenings, one in Buena Vista and the other in Salida.  Both were well-attended with active participation by parents, students, and school staff. 

Several people who attended the forums suggested we create a tip line to receive anonymous information about illegal drugs, underage alcohol sales and use, and related issues.  After a good deal of effort, the sheriff’s office has finally implemented the suggestion.  The number is 719-539-8768.  Callers may remain anonymous.

Forums results

The main action step we heard was the need to take these messages to all parents and teens, and suggestions that we include parents in the elementary schools in these efforts.   A few folks shared that understanding how perceptions drive behavior was eye-opening. 

Several suggestions came from those attending the forums, much of them emphasizing the role of parents as mentors and role models.

*Hold similar forums during school hours to boost attendance and interaction among parents and youth.  Stimulate greater interest among parents and teens about the problem, and focus on prevention.

*Include parents of children in the elementary schools so that they have the tools necessary to protect their children before they reach the critical ‘teen years.

*Promote parent education about drug and alcohol use, including by elementary-age kids.

*Vigorously enforce existing laws and examine the need for additional ones.

*Communicate key action steps by authorities to the community

 Salida forum members recorded these comments:

Good job – have more of these; Parents need to step up – I’m tired of hearing “there is nothing to do” – get them outside on the trails or on the river – Young Life does a really good job of having things for kids to do; I like the suggestion of finding a place for kids to go; More control in the schools – when students are under peer pressure or bullied they do things they wouldn’t normally do; Get a program at the elementary school; Have info geared to kids in a “cool” way, maybe by their peers; More info from Restorative Justice; Maybe have a video with statistics; Keep researching – good work.