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threat to the well being of our community and children Juvenile delinquency cases received in Indian River County within the five year period from FY94-95 to FY01 -02 decreased 6 . 2 % from 1031 cases to 967 cases . But during the same time FY 94-95 to FY01 -02 , the number of Indian River County youth charged with misdemeanor drug and alcohol charges has increased by 54 . 3 % from 92 cases 142 cases . (These stats are based upon statistical data collected and reported in the 2001 -02 Florida Profile of Delinquency Cases and Youths Referred Report by the Bureau of Data & Research , Florida Department of Juvenile Justice ) . All of this combined have made it increasingly more important for efforts to focus on behavior strategies and intervention for youth by promoting behavioral change including healthy lifestyles . (i . e . , not using drugs , alcohol , tobacco ; practicing abstinence ; participating in school ; anger control with focus on alternatives to violence ) With substance use/abuse intertwined with so many other high risk behaviors , early intervention must be available to specifically target the prevention education needs of youth . It is no wonder youth may not get needed information . A family' s hectic schedule can make it difficult for parents to hold conversation with their children . Due to hectic lifestyles , parents tend to give rushed , basic lectures , laced with scare tactics when trying to communicate a difficult subject . This in turns , becomes ineffective , with the point of the discussion often missed . It is necessary for a parent to take the time to sit down with a child to discuss these important topics . Before they do though , they must educate themselves in order to deliver correct and accurate information . The PREVENT program attempts to involve youth by having conversations , not lectures , encouraging youth to express thoughts , ideas and feelings about important issues . Even though there are other drug prevention education programs within Indian River County , ie DARE in the 5t' grade and LifeSkills Training Program in the 6 th , 7t' , and 8t' grade , the PREVENT program is not a duplication of services . The PREVENT program is not only a means to collect data , assess needs and interventions , but also allows us to take a good look at youth ' s perception of " risk" . This program is open enough to allow youth to discuss critical issues they are facing in everyday life . PREVENT empowers youth to learn the skills necessary to make smart decision by building protective factors . By providing youth with opportunities for healthy decision making , they can learn to make safe choices . Early intervention can help lessen fears of youth . In turn it teaches youth , if smart decisions are not made , that drugs , alcohol , smoking , violence and sex can be unhealthy . Section - Page 5 of 16 Subgrant Application