When children are little, keeping them out of harm's way is part of a parent's daily routine. Hot stoves, busy streets, and the blazing sun are just a few of the things we warn our kids about. These potential hazards are right in front of us. We know what we're talking about.

But what happens when the dangers aren't in front of us anymore? How do we best protect our kids when they are faced with challenging choices about drugs and alcohol? When do we say "yes" and when do we say "no" when they make their own plans? How do we help them make good choices when we're not there to hold their hands?

If you live in Madison, you are in luck. The volunteer based coalition Madison Alliance Addressing Substance Abuse (MAASA) located at the Madison Health Department provides a wealth of resources to help parents stay informed and kids stay safe. They do this with financial support from the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the Morris County Freeholders and community donations.

Madison's Health Department Educator Christine Shesler leads MAASA's efforts to help kids stay drug, tobacco and alcohol free.  Shesler says MAASA's approach is shaped by a program called "40 Assets."  She explains that this program helps keep the message positive. Instead of being against something, 40 Assets is a proactive program. It focuses on helping kids collect experiences, attitudes and behaviors ("assets") that help keep them out of trouble. Shesler says the more assets children have, the less likely they are to make poor choices.

To bring their positive message of prevention to life, Shesler says, it is important for MAASA to build partnerships. MAASA creates such connections by working with a diverse board, youth focused community groups, schools, and parents. 

Each of the 16 members of MAASA's board brings a unique perspective; they represent Madison schools, government, police department, parents, businesses and more.  At monthly meetings, these volunteers work together to address substance abuse issues of concern. This partnership, says Shesler, results in great synergy.  

MAASA also builds partnerships with local community groups that focus on the town's youth. Rather than develop separate youth oriented programs, the MAASA board takes a look at things that are already working and supports these efforts. "Madison has great resources," says Shesler. "We help fund their programs."

Groups supported by MAASA include Project Pride, Urban League of Morris County's Madison program, Madison Teen Center, and Madison's Playwrights Theatre. In addition, MAASA provides funding for the drug/alcohol free Madison High School Graduation Gala and pays for several family scholarships to attend the Madison Community Pool. 

MAASA works closely with the public schools as well. In fact, it played a pivotal role in the development of the Madison Junior School advisory program and the Peer Group Connections Program at Madison High School. Both programs have had a positive impact on student communication. 

Keeping parents informed is an important part of MAASA's work. Long-time volunteer and Madison resident Sue Behrens chairs MAASA's "Parent Connect" program. This program invites parents to join regular group-based discussions on issues facing youth today. Behrens sees Parent Connect as "a crash course in 'what do your kids know.' " The discussions help parents catch up, she says.

"It's a bit of a shock and awe!" she said.

Every fall as school starts up, Behrens sends literature to parents inviting them to join a Parent Connect group. She then puts together the groups, encourages everyone to bring a friend, and helps them begin the discussion. One conversation she initiates with each group is about cell phones. She suggests that the cell phone is the new "gateway drug" that begins to put the divide up between parents and kids.  This, says Behrens, gets the groups talking.  

Both Behrens and Shesler provide groups with information to help foster their discussions. They forward news items of interest. They keep in touch with the schools and pass along any issues of concern there. Topics discussed aren't limited to substance abuse, but run the gamut of issues facing teens.  

Shesler says of the Parent Connect program, "It really becomes a wonderful, wonderful resource." 

Presently, there are about 10-12 Parent Connect groups in Madison.The structure of the monthly meetings depends on the personality of each group, although Behrens says it is best to have someone serve as coordinator. Behrens has been a member of the same Parent Connect group for eight years and the group is still going strong. Even though Behrens' son graduated from the high school years ago, she remains connected to MAASA and a steadfast volunteer. Her explanation? Simple. "I want to help the community."

MAASA not only helps parent groups stay informed, but sponsors youth related programs for the community. In fact, the program "Teenagers Learn What They Live" Book Discussion is taking place tonight at 7 at the Madison YMCA. An expert panel will lead the discussion on the value of positive parent role models. (More details are available on the MAASA website.)

MAASA cuts a wide swath across the community, yet seems to maintain a low profile. This is  perfectly fine with Shesler.

"We don't mind being behind the scenes," she said. "Our point is to get (the information) out there."

That they do. Whether it's through their support of positive youth related activities, Parent Connect groups or community programs, MAASA helps parents stay informed about the risks. While the dangers may not be as obvious as a hot stove, with MAASA's help, parents are able to see what challenges their children may face.  And then they do what they always have done – help keep them safe.    

For additional information about MAASA, visit the website. If you are interested in joining a Parent Connect group, contact Sue Behrens at parentconnect@optonline.net