Chapter 10, Part I: Substance-Abuse Prevention Programs May Include “Safe-Sex” and Pregnancy Prevention (True Story)

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overnment documents and substance-abuse? grants? explain that substance-abuse programs have been redefined to be “broad-brushed,” comprehensive health? programs that effect many areas of “prevention.”? This means that while they may be titled substance abuse, they deal with the prevention of a broad range of behaviors? including self-esteem, alcohol, suicide? and pregnancy.

Obtain a copy of your school district’s “Application for Federal Assistance Under Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program” from either your school district or state department of education. Section III of the grant lists the “Assurances” which the applying school district signs. These assurances assure the implementation of the mandates or “strings” attached to any grant.? Among the 10 Assurances on a 1993 Drug-Free grant was: “Established and is implementing an age-appropriate, mandatory alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention program for all grade levels served (from early childhood level through grade 12). This program is part of a comprehensive health education curriculum;? Provided and will continue to provide equitable opportunity for public and nonpublic? school personnel and community members to participate in approved programs in a manner consistent with State law” (emphasis added).? Section VII-School/Community Advisory Council, requested the names of each council member under the following categories: “parents, government, law enforcement, public school staff, medicine, community organizations, other groups, and nonpublic school staff.” Section IX-Counseling Services says: “Describe how, to the extent practical, Drug-Free Schools and Communities funds will be used to provide drug abuse counseling services to children of all ages, including students in the elementary schools.”? The school district responded: “Training for counselors and teacher assistance teams (see the chapter titled “What is a ‘SAP’?”) to identify and intervene on T.A.O.D. problems will be expanded.? Also screening and referral services will be provided by paid staff working outside of contract.”? Section XI-Description of Planned Program Activity and Estimated Costs has 12 types of services from which a school district may choose. This district chose “counseling for students and families.” The district was then to “explain the planned outcome for this activity” in reaching their “general purpose/objectives.” This school district responded: “To enable students and families to grow, develop inner resources and coping mechanisms, and learn the information they need to successfully deal with the risk factors prevalent in today’s society (drugs, sexual activity, suicide, etc.) Students will learn to reject negative peer pressure and find support in dealing with dysfunctional family situations” (emphasis added). Under the segment titled “Implementation,” the school district responded: “Evening counseling for families and individuals to assess and deal with problems and referrals will be offered–A home visiting nurse will be available for home visits and counseling for referred families.”

During a school district advisory council? meeting, a substance-abuse? counselor who is employed by an area hospital but working in the school district, explained the substance-abuse program in place.

When asked if the substance-abuse? program was “broad-based” she said yes.? She explained that they found that many students who abuse drugs are also found to be sexually active, so a nurse from the hospital comes in two days and provides these students with a “safe-sex” program.

Should school districts be financially and legally responsible when these students become pregnant, or suffer the bad side effects? of being infected with sexually-transmitted diseases and AIDS? while practicing the “safe-sex” they were taught?? Does the school inform these students’ parents of their child’s participation in these programs and their sexual activity?

Approximately one-third of pregnant teens obtain abortions. Research shows that “women who abort are nearly four times more likely to start abusing drugs or alcohol.”[1]? It seems the health and education systems may be striking the match of the very fire they are attempting to put out.?

An administrator who is responsible for the district’s substance abuse? program states that the hospital is no longer providing “safe sex” programs for the district.? Sincere questions and follow-up do have positive results.

[1] “New Study Confirms Link Between Abortion and Substance Abuse” The Post-Abortion Review, Elliot Institute; P.O. Box 9079; Springfield, IL 62791; Vol. 1 No. 3, Fall 1993.