Children’s Aid provides comprehensive substance abuse prevention services to young people ages 11-21 to help them break down the barriers that threaten their achievement.

We are committed to assisting adolescents—every step of the way— through every twist and turn as they navigate life in economically disadvantaged communities and come face to face with temptations that ultimately prove unhealthy.   

Navigating every twist of life

Our work focuses on young people who are more vulnerable to substance abuse based on current use, gambling, truancy, academic failure, or problems with interpersonal relationships. Staff are especially attuned to those experiencing abuse, family problems, or mental health issues.

P.O.W.E.R. (Providing Opportunities, Wellness, Education, and Resources) is one program that includes counseling services and support groups for youth and their families to increase awareness and address specific issues and the social pressures that can lead to substance use. 

Our prevention specialists help young people develop essential life skills that help them succeed, in part by adopting a lifestyle that does not include substance use.

The Prevention Resource Center is a partnership that is supported by city and state government, working to decrease the negative effects of alcohol, illicit drugs, gambling, and violence in our targeted communities. In addition to being an information clearinghouse and professional development provider, the team also works with local stakeholders to mobilize and strengthen prevention-related work through community coalitions.