Teenage drug abuse is a problem faced by parents, educators, law enforcement personnel, and concerned citizens in every community in the United States. Eliminating this problem requires commitment, cooperation, and innovative programs.
Project ID has been created to meet this challenge.
Project ID was begun in 2001 with funds from a Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant and was offered to 7th and 8th graders in Decatur City and Morgan County Schools. In October, 2005 a Student Based Drug Testing Grant was received allowing the program to be expanded to 6th graders in Decatur City and Morgan County, middle schools in Hartselle and St. Ann's Catholic School.
Program Goal
The goal of Project ID is to reward students who make the decision not to use drugs. Based on reward, not punish- ment, Project ID is simply positive reinforcement of a drug free lifestyle.
How It Works
This is a voluntary drug testing program in which students may participate. Students and parents/guardians sign permission for the student to submit to random urinalysis which detects specific drugs. Specimens are taken under strict guidelines at school. Results remain confidential between the parents and the school. This information is never used for disciplinary reasons.
Students who test drug free will be issued "Drug Free ID" cards bearing their photograph. The ID card entitles the student to discounts at participating merchants. Card holders who at any time test positive on a random test must give up their "Project ID" for a specific time.
Why This Program Is Important
Students are rewarded for making good decisions.
The program provides students with an acceptable "social out" when faced with temptation and peer pressure to use drugs.
It uses positive peer pressure.
Lessening the pressure of experimenting with drugs should enable students to concentrate on school work as well as more healthy social alternatives.
It focuses on the elimination of drug use, not the prosecution of drug abusers.
It supports a strong partnership between parents and their children.
It provides our youth with the support necessary to help them maintain a health stance against drug use.
Working together helps improve communication between the youth, the school, and the community.
