Spring 2024 Compact Newsletter

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COMPACT Newsletter

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Office:205-605-1824 S SP PR R II N NG G 22 0 0 22 4 4

Current Drug Trends

LEGAL UPDATES Resource Spotlight INVESTIGATOR HIGHLIGHTS

Addressing the full spectrum of substance misuse and mental wellness.

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Table of Contents

Office:205-605-1824

Connect with Compact

29

Resource Spotlight

3

Compact Team

31

Community Resources

5

Camp Journey

34

It’s a Funny STory

6

Compact Resources

7

Investigator Highlights

8

Community Team Meetings

9

Hot Topic

11

Statistics

13

Testimonials of SUccess

17

Drug Trends

18

Legal Highlights

21

Compact in the community

23

Student Highlights

25

Where we are going

26

Where we have been

27

Parents Corner

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Board of Directors

John Samaniego Sheriff

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Matt Casey District Attorney

Chad Scroggins County Manager

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Connect with Compact By: Janae Pinson

“Compact has many outlets to obtain information and resources for the families of Shelby County.

We are always available to help.”

Main Line: 205-605-1824

Compact Email:

Parent Talk Line: 205-605-1827

compact2020@shelbyda.com

Teen Talk Line: 205-605-1830

Click here or scan for Linktree

Student Referral Form

Website:

https://www.compact2020.com/

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The Compact Team

Lieutenant Shane Plyler Executive Director

Office:205-605-1824

Janae Pinson Community Resource Coordinator

Shelby County Schools

Investigator Austin Brown

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Investigator Ash Lightner

INTERVENTION

Investigator Stetson Gray

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The Compact Team

Investigator Ali Miller Vestavia Hills

Investigator Jamelle Allen Hoover

Investigator Adam Schniper Pelham

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Detective Tommy Stewart Alabaster

Detective Jason Davis Helena

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EDUCATION 4

CAMP JOURNEY 2024 JUNE 10TH-14TH:HELENA MIDDLE SCHOOL JUNE 24TH-28TH:OAK MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL JULY 8TH-12TH:CHELSEA MIDDLE SCHOOL DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MAY 15TH, 2024

ATTENTION: RISING 6TH GRADERS “AT CAMP JOURNEY, STUDENTS WILL BE PROVIDED HANDS-ON INSTRUCTION ABOUT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES WHILE BUILDING CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS”

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE@ WWW.COMPACT2020.COM PLEASE EMAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION OR QUESTIONS TO JPINSON@SHELBYDA.COM OR DELIVER TO YOUR SRO

SPACE IS LIMITED SO SIGN UP TODAY!

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Compact Resources · Educational presentations for schools, communities, parents, professional groups, and organizations that include: Drug Trends, Social Media/Technology, Parental Education/Information, Life Skills Training, & Vaping. · Interventions to address: substance use/abuse, certain behavioral issues, and other youth at-risk concerns.

By: Janae Pinson

Are you aware of the services & resources provided by your Compact team?

· Working with School systems and administrators to address concerns impacting our youth. · Mentoring youth within our schools and organizations. · Developing and assisting communities with prevention teams to address specific issues and promote awareness in their areas.

If you would like to learn about a topic or concern not listed, email: jpinson@shelbyda.com

· Participate in local community outreach events. · Compact also conducts nicotine cessations classes for juveniles.

In addition, Compact has a working relationship with many civic, nonprofit, and religious organizations that serve the citizens of Shelby County. If you have concerns over a juvenile, reach out to us to see if we can find a resource to meet their needs.

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Investigator Highlight

By: Lieutenant Shane Plyler

Austin Brown- Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Austin Brown graduated from the University of Alabama in 2018 where he majored in Criminal Justice. He embarked on his law enforcement career in 2019, beginning as a Patrol Deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. In 2022, he was transferred to the School Resource Officer unit, where he was assigned to Chelsea High School. In the fall of 2023, he was assigned to Compact where he currently serves local youth as a Compact Investigator.

Investigator Brown is known for his positive attitude, great smile, and work ethic. He is often viewed as a “celebrity” by students and faculty when he walks the halls of Shelby County and Chelsea schools, carrying out the Compact Mission. In April, Investigator Brown won the vote of his peers as the “Compact Investigator of the Month.” Investigator Brown is a strong asset to the Compact Team, where his encouraging energy and dedication to helping local youth is contagious to everyone around him.

Austin has a deep passion for working with the youth in the Shelby County community.

Congratulations Investigator Brown, we are glad to have you at Compact!

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Community Team Meetings By: Janae Pinson

“Hello Shelby County! In this section you will be made aware of the dates, times and location for future coalition meetings. Below are the current prevention teams and their meeting information. Please check our Facebook page for updates”

For Tomorrow Alabaster 3rd Tuesday @ 11 am @ Alabaster City Hall

Impact Helena TBD- email tnathan@specialkindofcaring.org for details

Tri-City 3rd Wednesday @ 11 am @ ZOOM Link

Chelsea 3rd Thursday 11:00 am Chelsea Community Center

Email jpinson@shelbyda.com to join a community team.

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Hot Topic...

By: Investigator Ali Miller

Teens Behind the Wheel

According to the American Automobile Association, Teenage drivers are 3 times more likely to be killed in a crash versus other age groups. ALEA Sr. Trooper Bailey states that this is largely due to the fact that, “Their brains are not fully developed, and they are inexperienced.” Most of the causes are distracted driving, use of cellphones and the lack of wearing a safety belt regardless of the distance to be driven. Alcohol and the use of drugs is also a problem where the juvenile becomes “under the influence.” Being under the influence allows a teen to drive with an exaggerated mindset. The teenager thinks they can drive and can drive better as they feel relaxed when in fact, their reaction time begins to slow down.

Alcohol is a leading factor in the deaths for individuals under the age of 21 in the United States each year. This includes deaths from motor vehicle crashes, homicides, alcohol overdoses, falls, burns, drowning, and suicides (NIAAANational Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Historically, adolescent boys were more likely to drink and binge drink than girls. Now it seems that the roles have changed. Drinking and binge drinking in girls has increased and has declined in adolescent boys.

Underage drinking is dangerous and can lead to numerous problems that include, but are not limited to, school distraction (increased absences and lower grades). It can lead to social problems where the juvenile engages in physical violence and potential legal problems when the behavior is a result of an arrest.

It can lead to increased suicide, motor vehicle crashes, memory loss, misuse of other substances and alcohol poisoning (CDC).

Juveniles tend to drink because of peer pressure, stress, and increased need for independence. Some warning signs to look out for include changes in mood, academic and behavioral problems in school, rebelliousness, change in friends, no energy, less interest in activities and care in appearance.

Please, let’s do all we can to help our kids steer away from drinking by watching for signs and simply being available for them! We can help them! If drinking is a problem for a child then seek professional help as many programs exist to aid them!

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Hot Topic cont...

By: Investigator Ali Miller

Safe Driving on Prom Night

Imagine all the prep time put into getting suits, tuxedos and gowns for prom! The day of prom finally arrives and the kids get all dressed up, hair and makeup done. A special place is found for some very memorable pictures and dad lets his son or daughter use his sports car to get to prom. The teenagers arrive and enter the venue where they have another picture before walking onto the dance floor. Several hours go by and all the teenagers are dancing, having a wonderful time. Some friends have smuggled some alcohol into the venue and it seems like a great idea to start drinking.

Alas, it’s time to leave as midnight nears. Several kids leave and head to a bonfire in a pasture about an hour away from the prom venue. The night seems to keep going as the kids are all having a great time. While on the way to the pasture, a couple of kids get bold and try to race one another in the cars as the county road is long and straight.

While on the long straight stretch of road, the laughing and drinking continue. One vehicle runs slightly off the road and the driver quickly overcorrects attempting to get back on the road. While attempting to overcorrect, the driver hits the vehicle he was racing. The first vehicle turns sideways and flips multiple times while the other is launched through the air, striking a tree. The vehicle that flipped trapped all three occupants, fatally wounding the two passengers. The vehicle that hit the tree has ejected both occupants, fatally wounding the driver.

Police and firefighters arrive on scene to find three teenagers fatally wounded and two with life threatening injuries. The very next step was to notify the family that their kids have lost their children in a car accident that could have been prevented.

Neither the parents nor the teenagers got the chance to say “I love you” one last time.

“As law enforcement officers, one of the worst phone calls we will ever make are to the parents who have lost a child due to an accident. The story above is a valuable reminder that life is precious and it only takes one time to drink and drive before the last I Love You can ever be shared with another.”

-Inv. Ali Miller

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Youth Substance Use Statistics By: Investigator Jamelle Allen

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, Youth drug abuse is a high-profile public health concern, with at least 1-in-8 teenagers abusing an illicit substance in the last year. Below you will find very valuable statistics regarding trends in youth substance misuse.

Source: https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/

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Youth Substance Use Statistics By: Investigator Jamelle Allen

Statistics in Alabama: Teenagers in Alabama are 16.10% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

26,000 or 6.99% of 12- to 17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month.

Among them, 84.62% report using marijuana in the last month.

9.68% of all teens report using marijuana in the last year.

0.27% report using cocaine.

0.27% report using methamphetamines.

Up to 0.13% used heroin (data is limited).

4.03% report misusing pain relievers.

8.33% of all 12- to 17-year-olds used alcohol in the last month.

They’re 8.93% less likely to use alcohol than the average American in their age group.

152,000 adults aged 18- to 25-years-old used drugs in the last month.

18- to 25-year-olds are 14.50% less likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group.

2.42% of teenagers aged 12- to 17-years-old met the criteria for IDUD in the last year.

1.61% of teenagers aged 12- to 17-years-old met the criteria for AUD in the last year.

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Testimonials of Success Shelby County Schools is proud of our partnership with Compact.

Compact continues to be a vital initiative in our ongoing battle against substance abuse. This comprehensive program not only educates our students and parents about the risks and consequences of drug use but also empowers them with the necessary skills to make informed, healthy choices. Compact’s Intervention Team collaborates with our schools to promote resilience and positive decision making through engaging workshops, and commitment to fostering open communication. This program equips participants with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges without resorting to harmful substances.

Through this partnership we are not just preventing drug abuse; we are fostering a culture of well-being, resilience, and a drugfree future for our communities.

Jennifer Cofer Student Services Supervisor Shelby County Schools

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Testimonials of Success Oak Mountain Middle School is thankful for the connection and collaboration we have with Compact. Compact's intervention team and resources are making a meaningful impact on our OMMS students and families by addressing various challenges young people face with presentations on important topics such as substance misuse, vaping, sexting, and suicide prevention.

Collaborations and developed trusted relationships like this are crucial for creating safer and healthier environments for our students to thrive in. We truly appreciate and value the positive relationship that Oak Mountain Middle School and Compact share. It is a needed and trusted partnership that can be a much needed source of relief and information to both students and parents during some of the most trying and difficult times in their lives as a teenager.

-Sandy Evers Principal, OMMS

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Testimonials of Success I have been a social worker in ACS for ten years. Compact’s impact on my job and the lives of the children I serve is immeasurable. Det. Stewart was coming to me and asking how he could help when COVID had shut the world down. I was so worried about kids we couldn’t get in touch with. Tommy said “let’s do wellness checks”. This began a beautiful partnership.

Compact has been boots on the ground against substance abuse, destructive behaviors and family conflict. He stands beside me in court, district attendance meetings, parenting classes, vape classes and loves this community with his whole heart. When I am worried about a kid he always says “let’s go find them”. He is a frequent face in Alternative school and the DAY program. I couldn’t do my job without him. I really don’t remember what COMPACT was before COVID but I know what it means to me and our families now. Thank you COMPACT for being a partnership that reaches families and supports education for all kids! I no longer call this a partnership but a friendship. When we work together, lives are changed.

Marsha Roach,MSW Interventionist Alabaster City Schools

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Testimonials of Success "Compact has been amazing for Hoover City Schools.

We have used them over the past three years and have seen a dramatic decrease in behavior infractions for vapes. They have done an exceptional job of connecting, educating, and building relationships with students. Mr. Jamelle Allen and the Compact team are always a call away and we are better because of their support. Hoover City Schools is looking forward to working with Compact for many years to come."

Dr. Terry Lamar Chief Administrative Officer Hoover City Schools Compact has been very impactful for Chelsea High School and the Chelsea Community. First, Compact has allowed our students to create a trusting relationship with Officer Brown.

Oftentimes they will open up to him and tell him things that they might not tell their parents, teachers, counselors, or administrators. This is because they trust him. Secondly, Compact has created a bridge between the school and law enforcement. Our administrators have been able to refer students to Compact for productive intervention. Finally, Compact has been impactful in our community. The various events have been targeted at problems that our Chelsea Community faces in order to make improvements and move us forward.

Jessica Pickett Assistant Principal Chelsea High School

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Drug Trends

“THC is often packaged to look like the name brand the product is mimicking. Look closely at the labels to see if your child is in possession of an edible THC item.”

By: Investigator Austin Brown

Steady Uptick in Mushrooms Chocolate Gummies Cookies Brownies Cakes Vape Products

Uptick in fake white Xanax bars that are actually 100% Fentanyl All MDMA received by the Shelby County Drug Task Force has been laced with Fentanyl

Methamphetamine laced with Fentanyl Dealers do this so that the users experience an upper and don’t overdose. Users are oblivious!

Highlighter Vape Device

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Legal Highlights

“Compact has frequent communication with the District Attorney’s Office and legislators in an effort to stay up to date with the laws and regulations that can have an effect on our youth.”

By: Investigator Ash Lightner

Fentanyl Education in Public Schools HB280, Under existing law, public K-12 school drug and alcohol prevention programs are required to include certain information and instruction. This bill would require research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness to be provided to students in grades 6 through 12 in a manner comparable to instruction provided for other drug and alcohol education and prevention programs.

The instruction required by this subsection shall include all of the following: a. Prevention of the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl. b. Awareness of local school and community resources and any processes involved in accessing those resources. c. Health education that includes information about substance use and abuse, including youth substance use and abuse.

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Legal Highlights cont..

By: Investigator Ash Lightner

UNDERAGE POSSESSION OF E-CIGARETTES Senate Bill 95 further provides prohibitions on the possession of an electronic nicotine delivery system by individuals under 21 years of age. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2024.

This Bill amends section 28-11-13, Code of Alabama 1975, to further prohibit the possession of an electronic nicotine delivery system by individuals under 21 years of age. (1) This bill also takes a comprehensive approach toward regulating the alternative nicotine industry, increases penalties for underage vaping and creates an annual permit for the state’s approximately 8,000 distributors of e-cigarette products. (2)

1. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdfdocs/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/SB9 5-eng.pdf 2. Source: https://www.al.com/news/2024/04/why-alabama-lawmakers-are-battling-public-health-advocates-over-underage vaping.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20have%20no%20(fear),or%20use%20a%20vaping%20device.

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Legal Highlights cont..

By: Investigator Ash Lightner

UNDERAGE POSSESSION OF E-CIGARETTES SB95 makes it unlawful for any individual under the age of 21 years of age to purchase, use, possess, or transport tobacco, a tobacco product, an electronic nicotine delivery system or other electronic battery-powered device capable of being used to deliver any e-liquid, e-liquid substitute, tobacco, CBD oil, THC oil, herbal extract, or nicotine salt, or any analog thereof, or any other substance to the individual through the inhalation of vapor, or an alternative individual through the inhalation of vapor, or an alternative nicotine product within this state.

It is unlawful for any individual under the age of 21 years of age to present or offer to another person proof of identification that is false, fraudulent, or not actually his or her own proof of identification in order to buy, receive, or otherwise obtain, or attempt to buy, receive, or otherwise obtain, any tobacco, tobacco product, electronic nicotine delivery system, or alternative nicotine product.

If a minor is cited for any violation under this section, the citing agency shall make reasonable efforts to notify a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the minor unless the minor has been emancipated by court order or operation of law.

Nothing in this section shall apply to devices used to deliver medication prescribed or ordered by a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state.

1. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdfdocs/SearchableInstr uments/2024RS/SB95-eng.pdf

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Compact in the Community By: Janae Pinson

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Compact in the Community By: Janae Pinson

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This section is devoted to students highlighted through their local schools or news media!

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Student Highlights

By: Investigator Stetson Gray

13 Vestavia Hills High School students named National Merit Finalists

National Signing Day honored Panthers quarterback Clayton Mains, soccer players Raul Jacobo and Matthew Chaux, softball star McKenzie Little and tennis player Emma Trotter as they put pen to paper and made their commitments official.

Thompson High School students design the new logo for Alabaster SRO vehicles!

Chelsea‘s Ali Mims named Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024 SCS Advanced Math High Scoring Winners Congratulations to all students on your achievements!

If you have a nomination for this section email Inv. Gray at sgray@shelbyso.com

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This section is devoted to students highlighted through their local schools or news media!

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Student Highlights cont...

By: Investigator Stetson Gray

2024 Shelby County Schools Special Olympics

8th Grade Math Team Competition Overall High Scorers Shelby County Schools

8th Grade Math Team Competition Overall High Scoring Teams OMMS takes home 3 FIRST place ribbons at the University of Montevallo VAAP District Art competition

RF Bumpus Middle School students build nine different mechanisms for Physics lessons

Congratulations to all students on your achievements!

If you have a nomination for this section email Inv. Gray at sgray@shelbyso.com

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Where we are going.....

By: Janae Pinson

Shelby Co. Sheriff’s Citizen Academy Presentation with the Central Alabama Drug Task Force on April 25th Weekly Cessation Classes @ Compact each Tuesday...sign up today!

Monthly Family Nights with community partners and Pelham City Schools who will be presenting along side Compact on various topics to help local families live healthy lifestyles.

Come see us!

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Where we have been....

By: Janae Pinson

Get Educated!

Parent Education Nights

Get Involved!

Click here to watch!

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Click here to listen!

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Parents Corner

Office:205-605-1824 By: Detective Tommy Stewart

suicide awareness

Did know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24? Sometimes it feels as though your struggle is being underestimated by your age. But, we hear you, and help is available.

Hello, my name is Tommy Stewart. I am a Detective with the Alabaster Police Department assigned to Compact full-time. I have been a father for more than forty-one years now. I wanted to help educate both parents and children about suicide, the warning signs, actions to take, and finally the importance of taking any threat of or talk of suicide seriously.

Being a criminal investigator for more than eighteen years, I have taken part in numerous death investigations to include suicides. I often wondered why the suicide rate among adolescents was so high. After many years of on the job experience, education, and working with adolescents, I have made an individual assessment of why I believe this is such an important topic. Your child has an adolescent brain that will continue to develop until their mid-twenties or so. The brain develops from the back to the front with one of the last parts of the brain to fully develop being the frontal lobe. A couple of things the frontal lobe is responsible for is impulsiveness and decision-making. That is why when you ask your child, “Why did you do that?” Their response is, “I don’t know I just did.” You see, they know they did something wrong but they just did not think of the consequences before they did it, they acted impulsively, not thinking about it. You are shaking your head yes right now because we have all done that growing up. With an impulsive and maturing brain sometimes, you make decisions without ever thinking or analyzing what the outcome may be.

Below is a link that helps with questions about suicide and what to do in crisis: https://988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

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Parents Corner cont...

By: Detective Tommy Stewart

suicide awareness

This is why when your child even says the word “suicide” we should always take it seriously. As parents we often say, “What do you have to worry about? I pay the bills, feed you, buy your clothes, you just go to school and do well, you don’t know what worrying is or responsibilities are.” Sound familiar? Yeah me too. I have said those same things.

You see with kids they hear, “They don’t understand and they don’t care, they hate me.” It’s not personal, it’s impulsive. However with that impulsiveness and their state of mind they think the best thing to do is just end it all and that nobody cares, or it’s never going to get better.

Parents must take action, listen to their kids, and take time to see what they are worried about. First love break ups, not making the team; as parents we now know that those things don’t define us but make us stronger. However, for your child it is huge, it is impulsive, it consumes them and it just may be too much to handle. Remember they’re still maturing, they are impulsive and they need mentoring. But mostly, they just need someone to love them unconditionally. No judgment, just listening and offering the help they need to get through the crisis.

In closing I offer you this. Parenting is tough, stressful, demanding, taxing, and also the most wonderful thing that you could ever do. It is up to us as parents to help them through the hard times, help shape them and help them understand who they are, unconditionally, until they are able to make those decisions for themselves.

Thanks for taking the time to hear an old man talk, parent to parent. You got this! You are not alone, it takes a village to raise a child. At Compact, we are here for you and for your child.

-Det. Tommy Stewart PREVENTION

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Compact Resource Spotlight Central alabama wellness

By: Detective Jason Davis

Central Alabama Wellness provides services to individuals throughout their life span with a variety of difficulties. They are a public, non-profit corporation governed by a 10 member board appointed by the Chilton and Shelby County Commissions under the authority of Alabama Act 310. Central Alabama Wellness is a member of the Alabama Council for Community Mental Health Boards and is certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

One of the benefits of Compact is that we are partnered with Central Alabama Wellness. They provide a licensed counselor who, during an intervention meeting, will perform a one on one mental health screening with your child to help identify areas of concern, such as depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol misuse or suicidality. We, at Compact, have realized that more times than not there are underlying mental health issues with teens who are exhibiting signs or symptoms of at risk behavior or substance misuse.

CAW recently facilitated Youth Mental Health First Aid Training that certified all Compact team members so that we are better equipped to help students in need of assistance.

CAW has three divisions: Adult, Child and Substance Abuse. All of these divisions have a goal to help all citizens of Chilton and Shelby Counties to live life well.

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Compact Resource Spotlight By: Detective Jason Davis

Central Alabama wellness “Central Alabama Wellness provides an array of services for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. In our substance abuse programs, priority admission is given to pregnant women, women with dependent children and individuals with IV substance use disorders. Services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, other than case management, are based upon available waiver services as approved by the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health.”

151 Hamilton Lane Calera, Alabama 35040 (205) 651-0077 email at: Info@centralalabamawellness.org www.centralalabamwellness.org

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Community Resources

By: Investigator Adam Schniper

24- Hour Suicide and Crisis Lines National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (English) Call or text 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Spanish) Call 988 and press 2.

SafeHouse and SafeShelby: 205.669.7233- SafeHouse and Safe Shelby is Shelby County's domestic and/or sexual violence survivor’s crisis and talk line. Fellow survivors can assist with counseling support, legal guidance, and case management to help survivors create a new and better life. Visit the website for Safehouse and SafeShelby.

Non-Crisis Talk Lines Birmingham Crisis Center UTALK Teen Text and Talk Line: 205.328.5465-This talk line connects teens to other young adults to discuss life problems. Visit the website for Birmingham Crisis Center.

Compact Teen Talk Line: 205.605.1830- Teens who may have concerns about a family member's, friend's, or their own substance abuse. Visit the website for Compact.

Compact Parent Talk Line: 205.605.1827 - Parents may call this line if they suspect their child is involved in high risk behavior and/or substance misuse.

General Assistance Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA): 205.942.5505- HICA is a community development and advocacy organization that promotes economic equality, civic engagement, and social justice for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. HICA offers crime victim services and advocacy, family services, student services, financial coaching, and legal information. Visit the website for the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama.

Alabama Department of Human Resources Shelby County: 205.669.3000- DHR provides basic needs and food programs for families, care assistance for the elderly and disabled individuals, and job assistance and job training programs. Learn more about DHR services.

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Teen Talk Line 205-605-1830 Parent Talk Line 205-605-1827 Tip Line 205-670-6TIP

Office:205-605-1824

Community Resources cont...

By: Investigator Adam Schniper

Support For Families| Substance Abuse Alanon and Alateen: 205.388.3765- Alanon and Alateen offer support groups for families and children of individuals with an alcohol use disorder. Visit the website for Alanon and Alateen Addiction Prevention Coalition: 205.874.8498- Provides resources, awareness, and education for families and individuals. Visit the Addiction Prevention Coalition website to learn more.

UAB Family Support Meetings: 205.975.8402- Offers a support group for families and loved ones of individuals suffering from substance use disorder. Meetings are Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Learn more about the UAB Family Support Meetings.

Bradford Health Services: 1.888.762.3740- Bradford Health Services Family Program is a free online resource to educate families on their loved ones’ substance use disorder. Visit the website to learn more about Bradford Health Services.

ROSS Recovery Organization of Support Specialists and Alabama Department of Mental Health 24-hour Helpline: 1.844.307.1760Call and discuss substance use disorder issues with a peer support specialist who is in recovery. The organization offers various support meetings that reflect all walks of life. Learn more about ROSS here.

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Teen Talk Line 205-605-1830 Parent Talk Line 205-605-1827 Tip Line 205-670-6TIP

Office:205-605-1824

Community Resources cont...

By: Investigator Adam Schniper

Mental Wellness Services Central Alabama Wellness: 205.651.0077-Central Alabama Wellness provides an array of services for adults and children dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Visit the website for Central Alabama Wellness.

Children’s Psychiatric Intake Response Center: 205.638.7472-Located in Children’s Hospital, the PIRC assists families in finding the appropriate level of mental health care for a child or teen. Visit the website for Children's of Alabama.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Shelby County (NAMI)- NAMI Shelby serves Shelby County residents with free mental health support, resources, and education.

Services are for individuals living with a mental illness and the families who love them. Learn more about NAMI here.

Family Connection: 205.663.6301- This organization strengthens families and communities by providing shelter, counseling, and safety for young people in crisis. Programs are available for school truancy, bullying, runaway, or homeless youth. Visit the website for Family Connection.

Vineyard Family Services: 205.317.9897- The mission of Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama, Inc. (VFS) is to feed kids in need, promote responsible fatherhood, and help families in crisis. All our programs are designed to strengthen families and lower incidents of child abuse and neglect. Our many programs to the community create the resources to provide excellent support to our clients. Learn more about VFS.

Click HERE for a complete list of resources available and COntact information!

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Teen Talk Line 205-605-1830 Parent Talk Line 205-605-1827 Tip Line 205-670-6TIP

Office:205-605-1824

It’s kind of a funny story....

By: Investigator Adam Schniper

Did You Really Eat That?

One of our elementary schools’ SROs had to attend training, so I filled-in for the day. When working the elementary schools, I always like visiting with the kids when they are at lunch. I was walking around the lunchroom table-to-table, just talking and encouraging the kids to eat their apples and carrots, which they rarely touch.

I approached one of the last tables on my rounds and upon asking the kids what they were having for lunch today, a little girl pointed at the boy to her left and said, “He put a chicken nugget up his nose.” The boy, wearing a short sleeve collared shirt and sweater vest just sat there blankly. No excitement at being the center of attention, no fear of reprisal; just a plain ol’ blank, stare. “Did you put a chicken nugget up your nose?” I enquired. “Yes” the well-dressed, catatonic boy responded. “Did you eat it afterward? I asked. “Yes” the boy stated with no emotion.

The children at the table just stared at me. They knew that any adult, and especially an officer of the law, would have something powerful to say that would rectify this travesty of food placement. They knew that their classmate would be scolded and told that big boys do NOT behave like that. Heck, this officer, being an instrument of justice will surely tell the teacher what the boy did. How could he allow this unnatural mixing of chicken and boogers to stand!?

The children sat motionless waiting for the judgement to unfold. “Well, that’s just good protein for you buddy”, and I went to the next table in the hopes that this group of children weren’t using their noses as chicken nugget dipping sauce.

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Juvenile Substance/Intervention Program Referral form Referral Date: __________________ Student’s Name (required): _________________________________

Age: ____________

School (required): ________________________________________ Grade Level: _____________ *Please see back section for assigned Compact Investigator* Parent/Guardian Information Names (required): ____________________________________ | __________________________ Phone Number (required): ____________________________ | __________________________ Email Address (if available): ___________________________ | __________________________ Reason for Referral □ Substance (i.e. drug, alcohol, etc.): _____________________________________________________ □ Behavioral (runaway, truancy, domestic, etc.): __________________________________________ □ Traumatic event: ______________________________________________________________________ □ Other “at-risk” concern: _______________________________________________________________ Law Enforcement Report I/O or Case number (if available): ______________________________ *Email / Attach report copy if available* Additional notes/concerns for Compact Team:

Referred By: __________________________ Agency/Organization: ________________________ Email: __________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Compact Main Phone: 205-605-1824 | Compact Teen Line: 205-605-1830 | Compact Parent Line: 205-605-1827 Compact Website: www.compact2020.com

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