For Teens and Parents By Barbara Howland and Pat MacAlpine, editors of this guide from Concord-Carlisle Action Committee for TeenS (C-C ACTS).

Teen lives may depend upon others recognizing the "red flags" of risky behavior and finding the resources for help. Being armed with such information can help parents and other family members intervene with more confidence, empower teens to help themselves and their friends, and open up a dialogue between generations about these worrisome behavior and feelings. Are you Concerned about Someone? Red Flags and Resources is a new guide for teens and their parents by a local organization which is designed to meet these all needs.

In 1998 and 2000, Concord and Carlisle Middle School and High School students were given a risk assessment survey sponsored by Emerson Hospital. The community was alarmed by the results. In response, Concord-Carlisle Action Committee for TeenS (C-C ACTS) was formed, comprised of healthcare professionals, educators, parents and teens. One of our initiatives is this parent-teen resource guide.

Drugs, Alcohol, Anger, Depression Red Flags....and More
There are sections in this publication about recognizing trouble signs and red flags around communication problems, anger, drug and alcohol experimentation and abuse, eating disorders, suicide, depression, and abusive relationships. Specific ways to intervene, local resources for help and references for further learning are also provided.

Adolescence is a challenging time. Experts remind us of the need to maintain an open and honest line of communication between parents and teens. This is often a challenge at a time when adolescents are trying to become more independent from their parents and gain approval from their peers, making the information in this book all the more necessary.

During adolescence, teens may experience many emotional roller coasters, some they control, and others that seem to control them. While some behaviors are developmental, others require vigilant observation and intervention to help guide teens through these years. The first five chapters of Red Flags discuss some of the feelings and behaviors most often seen today in our youth. Additionally, although drug, alcohol and dieting experimentation are part of the risk-taking actions of adolescents, there is a fine line between experimentation and abuse. By informing readers of the types of interventions available, the authors of the guide hope that that the possibility of life-long negative impact may be averted.

Red Flags reminds us that each teen is a unique individual; therefore, isolated signs and red flags may or may not be present. But most importantly, we are reminded that if we are concered about someone, we should act.

Many resources are available in the community. This includes the professionals in each of our schools who are trained in these areas of concern. They are willing to have a confidential conversation about your questions and provide guidance and support.

Booklet is Widely Available in Our Community
Funded by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, this booklet is seeing wide distribution throughout our towns. Already, it is been mailed to all parents of all students in 6-12 grades in Concord and Carlisle. We are also distributing them to parents at Fenn and Nashoba Brooks; we are in discussions with Concord Academy and Middlesex about how to cover their students. All of our communities' school guidance departments have these books, as do the Concord Clergy Laity, Open Table (where they are being put in each paperbag of groceries guests take home). Concord and Carlisle Police stations have copies as well as does the Domestic Violence Advocate Assistance Program (DVAAP). They are being placed in faith communities, libraries and agencies in both towns as well as at Emerson Hospital. ACTS is also considering mailing copies to 5th grade parents in the spring as part of students' transition to middle school.

Red Flags was written by a committee of ACTS with input from many community members, professionals and parents. If you wish a copy and cannot find one in any of the locations above, you may email CC4Youth for one, mentioning "Red Flag" in the subject line.

Artwork: Courtesy of ACTS and ArtToday.