PAYADA program

Mission:

Parents and Youth Against Drug Abuse (PAYADA) is proud to educate our community to prevent substance abuse and be an important part of the effort to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse across Idaho and the nation. PAYADA is committed to increasing the number of drug-free youth by sponsoring alcohol and other drug education, sharing information, providing positive activities, and building partnerships to create a stronger community.

Programs:

EDUCATION CLASSES

PAYADA sponsors education classes for elementary school students and their parents. These sessions are taught as a combined effort between Elementary School Resource Officers and School Counselors. The curriculum includes information on signs and symptoms of use, general information about a variety of drugs, current trends, developing good communication skills, promoting refusal skills for youth, community resources, and where to go for more information. These classes are free to the public and take place primarily in elementary schools.

In addition to the education classes, PAYADA staff, volunteers and School Resource Officers visit local school classes on a regular basis. School Resource Officers provide on-going student support in the development of resistance/refusal skills. The PAYADA program also provides ongoing training and support for affiliate PAYADA programs throughout the state of Idaho.

RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN

Each October PAYADA sponsors Idaho's statewide Red Ribbon Week drug awareness campaign. It is an extremely meaningful and significant campaign as it combines efforts across the state between school districts, parents, youth, and businesses all joining together to encourage the wearing of red ribbons and focus on the motto "No use of illegal drugs and no illegal use of legal drugs." PAYADA also coordinates additional activities during Red Ribbon Week to further promote drug awareness and support youth in their involvement in asset-based, positive, alternative activities.

PARENT PROJECT

PAYADA coordinates the facilitation and funds this nationally renown program aimed at providing education and support for parents dealing with strong willed and out-of-control children. This program also works to prevent the future use of illegal substances or involvement in the juvenile justice system. There is a teen version of this class that supports teens in making positive, healthy choices not involving substance abuse. The Parent Project and Teen Project both run from 11-16 weeks and last 3 hours a session. PAYADA collaborates with school districts, law enforcement, social service agencies, and juvenile justice in providing these efforts.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

PAYADA staff, volunteers and School Resource Officers visit local school classes on a regular basis. The SROs provide ongoing student support in the development of resistance skills. Seminars and presentations for businesses and community groups are scheduled upon request. PAYADA participates in health fairs, school fairs, conferences and exhibits throughout the Treasure Valley.

THE PARENTING CHALLENGE (NICASA PARENT PROJECT)

PAYADA coordinates, provides training, funds and facilitates this model practice prevention program recognized by OJJDP (The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), CSAP, and CAPT. The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors and the National Prevention Network both cite NICASA Parent Project as an exemplary program for preventing youth drug abuse. The Parenting Challenge classes run once a week for 6-10 consecutive weeks for 1-hour sessions. The program is aimed at reducing youth substance use and increasing protective factors.

History

PAYADA was organized in 1981 by the Boise Police Department as part of the Major Crimes Division and began its education programs in January 1982. PAYADA has grown from 23 presentations and events in 1982 to over 200 classes and community seminars each year, reaching over 40,000 people. In 1984 PAYADA was reorganized to become part of the Boise Police Crime Prevention Unit, and in 1985 PAYADA incorporated as a private, non-profit 501 (C) 3 organization with a Board of Directors and Management Committee to help broaden, promote and guide PAYADA's mission and goals.

In 1992 association with the Boise Police Department changed to the Juvenile Detective Division, which in 1994 facilitated the Department's Elementary School Resource Officers (ESRO's) to be enlisted in the presentation of drug education efforts. The Juvenile Detective Division was assigned to the newly organized Community Outreach Division in 2001.

In 1995 law enforcement officers from all Ada County agencies joined in support of drug education efforts. Thus, PAYADA has a unique position in the community in that it is sponsored by regional law enforcement agencies and is, at the same time, an independent, community-based program. Boise, Garden City and Meridian Police Departments and the Ada County Sheriff's Office contribute officer services to instruct the education classes.

Other support and funding comes from private individuals, local businesses, community contributions and grants. The organization's total budget supports programs described on the following pages.

PAYADA administrative efforts expanded in 1992 to include a part time civilian director. The creation of this position and the designated duties were instrumental in the formation of a partnership with Boise State University and the Regional Alcohol Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Network. Again in 1999, administrative efforts expanded to include a full time executive director. This position was able to build on duties of the part time director as well as include additional elements of a successful community drug education program.

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