An Expert’s View

PEGGY MOORE, Executive director, Sheriff’s Youth Foundation

The foundation was started in 1985. Sheriff’s deputies spend time with students after school to keep the kids out of trouble. It also includes an anti-drug education program called S.A.N.E., Substance Abuse Narcotics Education.

We have activity leagues in 10 different (sheriff’s) stations. The purpose is to keep young people busy after school and that means focused busy. They are working on their homework, team sports or they are working on developing other skills such as dance or computers.

After school is probably the most important time when we can deal with our young people because this is when many of them are unsupervised. Many times, this is the period of the day when gang members or people who are involved in narcotics approach young people.

Parents should try to find programs that help mentor and support the development of their child. I think parents should always have open communication with their children and direct them to be in programs.