Time for a Family Update: Moving into Adulthood

Coming out of the pandemic of the early 2020’s, growing up was a stressful time. Data shows us that the youth developing during the time of isolation, virtual school and increased family stress are experiencing higher levels of mental health, suicide rates and less social and community skills. Along with this is an increase in substance use. The workshop will address two primary issues. First, as we move forward, the teens of the 2020’s are growing up and many are now emerging adults between 18 and 25 years of age. They are parenting families and those working with this population often do not understand the impact of SUDs. This model will share some of the impact of the younger parents and how they may be developing. The second part will offer a model for assisting parents/caregivers in creating a positive relationship with their youth to assist in preventing the negative issues of substance use. Each attendee’s role may have a different focus for families and youth services so a variety of information and strategies will be shared. Attendees will generate a strategy to implement in their service role through discussion and sharing experiences.