Communication Action Series Toolkits

Over the years, prevention professionals have recognized that reducing risky behaviors is the key to growing strong, healthy kids.  We know that several factors affect growth such as, genetics, brain development, environment, nutrition, and educational opportunities, to name a few.  The more we can mitigate the negative influences and increase the protective factors, the better the child’s chances will be for a healthy productive life.
A new set of tool kits has been created to assist prevention professionals, parents, teachers, student assistance programs (SAP) and other concerned adults in preventing substance use in adolescents and teens.  Each one is carefully designed to give important information in short, simple steps.  All kits are available to view and download in both Spanish and English.

Prevention Professionals

As CPA works to expand the way the field defines prevention, it is essential to develop better strategies and new tools for tackling diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in our prevention programs. To help you stay actively engaged in understanding and addressing these issues, the following toolkits explore DEIB issues within prevention programs and help you prepare programs to be more accessible.  Make sure you view the expanded web-only content, including short “pop-up” videos for these two kits to help you better understand and communicate the reasons behind some of the language used. All toolkits are also available to view and download in Spanish and English. 

Racial Equity Toolkit

This kit describes how prevention professionals can prepare their programs to be accessible to Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Latinx (BIPOC) youth.

LGBTQ+ Toolkit

This kit provides ways to visibly support LGBTQ+ youth in your prevention, the importance of using proper pronouns and community agreements that affirm all kids.

Substance Use and Behavioral Toolkits:

Adolescence is a tricky time and one of the most influential factors is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions which is why it’s important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs. These kits were developed for prevention professionals, teachers, student assistance teams, and others to help parents, teachers, and caregivers to have those tough conversations around substance use and mental health. All toolkits are available to view and download in Spanish and English. 

Vaping Toolkit

Inhaling vapes has health risks, yet some kids think they are harmless. This kit offers strategies to prevent use and a quit tool if they have already started.

Alcohol Toolkit

Still the number one substance of abuse for teens. This kit provides the conversation starters and practical suggestions to help them understand the consequences and dangers of alcohol use.

Marijuana Toolkit

Opening up a discussion about cannabis may be one way to strengthen your relationship with your child and knowing the risks may will help you feel more prepared.

Mental Health Toolkit

Emotional and mental health issues in youth continue to increase. This kit provides tips for approaching this topic and initiating a healthy rapport with your child.

Parents of Black, LGBTQ+, and Latinx Youth

These kits were designed to help parents protect their child against the harm that systemic racism causes and how to support your child if they come out as an LGBTQ+ youth.  Positive communication, effective strategies, and facts to back up your conversation are included.  Prevention professionals can utilize these kits during programming, make them available for parents, share in school districts, etc. The kits are available to be viewed and downloaded in both Spanish and English. 

Parents of Latinx Youth

This kit helps parents start a conversation with their child about anti-Latinx bias and how to develop strategies to protect themselves. 

Parents of Black Youth

This kit helps parents start a conversation with their child about white supremacy and how to develop strategies to protect themselves.

Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth

This kit provides resources and communication tips for parents of an LGBTQ+ youth. Family acceptance and support is the most important factor for a child’s health and well-being.

Parents of White Youth

Start a conversation with your child about the history and persistence of racism in America.