Sadly, drug abuse and addiction are on the rise among youth in America, and the consequences are often deadly. However, beginning in 2016, leaders in Shelby County made the bold decision to get ahead of the problem of youth substance abuse and seek a unique, proactive solution.
The Shelby County District Attorney, the Shelby County Manager and the Shelby County Sheriff knew that families need more than awareness to help their young people navigate the challenge of drugs. They need tools, resources and real support. That’s why Shelby County created the COMPACT task force, which is unique to Alabama and relies on three elements — prevention, intervention and education.
Regarding prevention of substance abuse, COMPACT partners with local schools, community outreach events and prevention coalitions. Family-style interventions are used to address substance abuse, behavior issues and other at-risk concerns. The law-enforcement personnel who work with COMPACT also strive to educate students and parents regarding drug trends, the dangers of vaping and the pitfalls of digital devices and social media.
COMPACT seeks to connect families with the community resources and up-to-date information they need to help their children make healthy choices and adopt a happy, substance-free lifestyle.
One goal of COMPACT is to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system. The program also seeks to help put them on a positive life path that will keepthem out of the criminal justice system as adults.
WHAT WE OFFER
Empowering youth, supporting families: Our team is not about enforcement. We’re about prevention, intervention and education. COMPACT officers bring real-world lessons straight to youth and families, tackling the issues that matter most today.
Family interventions that work: Officers sit down with parents and youth together, helping families rebuild trust and create healthier paths forward. COMPACT investigators are not thereto arrest the child. Instead, the investigators try to support the parents and give them the help they need to successfully face the challenge. They share information with the parents and connect them with proven community resources.
Safe choices online and offline: We offer young people and families honest conversations about the dangers of substance abuse, digital devices and social media.
Strong minds, healthy futures: We provide lessons on youth mental health, plus access to free mental health screenings, through our partners at Central Alabama Wellness.
Mentorship that matters: COMPACT provides one-on-one guidance for struggling youth, giving them the tools, support and encouragement they need to make positive life choices.
At COMPACT, we’re not just preventing problems — we’re building stronger youth, stronger families and a stronger community.
CONNECT WITH US
For more about COMPACT, go online to www.compact2020.com. Follow us on social media at facebook.com/COMPACT2020.
Reach out to COMPACT to refer your child for an intervention, request a presentation or to invite COMPACT to attend your community event by calling 205-605-1824.
