Grayslake high schools offer drug counseling

Teenagers with substance abuse problems now have an opportunity to receive help at Grayslake High School District 127 in an effort modeled after employee assistance programs for adults.

District 127 Student Assistance Coordinator Diane Busch, speaking at a recent school board meeting, outlined a variety of initiatives that have been launched. Busch was hired for the new job that was created before the academic year.

Faculty education, student recovery and re-entry groups and a development of resources for substance abuse treatment and support didn't exist in District 127 until the 2008-09 academic year.

"We have parents struggling with these situations with their teens," Busch said. "They are not alone. We walk with them."

Busch said District 127 students have access to help under a model similar to employee assistance programs. District 127 Superintendent Catherine Finger acknowledged that means students can receive help if their problems go beyond substance abuse.

"Grief, loss, family changes are part of the program as well," Finger said.

Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice at Grayslake North and Central high schools, said Busch.

In a survey from the last school year, 78 percent of seniors said it was "sort of/very easy" to obtain alcohol.

One tool being used to identify students with potential problems is a card with a checklist that staff members may fill out and give to Busch.

For example, under the behavior heading on the card, a teacher may note if a student is suddenly disruptive in class or has started lying, with Busch then reviewing the comments for possible action.

Busch said parent feedback about the student assistance program has been good. She said some parents have tipped school officials this year when they heard rumors about a teenage party being planned in their neighborhoods.