Youth at Risk: What to do when you don’t know what to do

For Immediate Release - February 3, 2006 (Ottawa) - On Wednesday March 8, 2006, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will host the third annual Pamela Fralick Forum on Addiction entitled, "Youth at Risk: What to do when you don't know what to do." Open to the public at no cost, this community event will be held at the Travelodge Hotel and Conference Centre, Carleton Ballroom at 1376 Carling Avenue, Ottawa from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

This forum will bring together presenter Andrée Cazabon - a one-time runaway with substance use problems who is now an accomplished writer and filmmaker - with Dr. David Wolfe, one of Canada's leading experts on youth at risk. Their combined experience, insight and wisdom will provide a unique opportunity for parents to learn what works-and what doesn't work-when you are concerned about your teenager using drugs.

"My relationship with my father played a crucial role in my choice to seek help," says Andrée Cazabon, whose film, 'Letters to a Street Child,' is based on her experience of living on the streets and examines her relationships with her family. "Even though I had left home, knowing that he cared about me made a real difference. Forums like this one can give parents options."

"Open communication during early adolescence is key," says Dr. David Wolfe, Director, CAMH Centre for Prevention Science and RBC Chair in Children's Mental Health, who will be presenting at the forum. "This is a time when youth begin to explore their independence and experiment with cigarettes, drugs and other behaviours. Fostering a strong relationship with your child is crucial; even if you do not have all the answers right away, it is important that your child know that they are free to come to talk with you."

Ms. Cazabon will share her experience with guests and let parents know that it is never too late to start a dialogue with their children. "While talking with your kids may not stop them from experimenting with drugs, it is important that we equip our children with the tools to make informed choices."

In partnership with community organizations, the Pamela Fralick Community Information Forum on Addiction is part of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)'s broader public education efforts aimed at increasing public understanding of addiction and mental health issues and helping Ontarians to make informed decisions about their health care. Attendees of Youth at Risk: What to do when you don't know what to do will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear about practical strategies that can help them to deal with teen substance use.

Pamela Fralick is a former Chair and current member of the CAMH Board of Trustees. Ms. Fralick has spent the last twenty-five years pursuing issues of social concern, primarily in the health field, and has just completed four Ironman marathons in support of CAMH and people who live with mental illness and addictions. With formal education in research and clinical psychology, she devoted many years to the field of addictions, working in front-line treatment, research, education, policy and program development. This annual forum, named in honour of Ms. Fralick is part of her continuing efforts to support those who live with mental illness and addictions and educate the public about this health issue that effects one in five Canadians.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. Partner organizations include the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board and the Youth Services Bureau.

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For more information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. David Wolfe or Andrée Cazabon, media please contact: Peter Williams, Project Consultant, CAMH, Ottawa at (613) 569-6024 x 8213 or Michael Torres, Media Relations Coordinator, CAMH at: (416) 595-6015.

To attend, RSVP preferred but not required. To reserve a seat, please call (613) 569-6024 x 8211.

View the poster for the March 8 event (PDF).