We have been working to ensure that all of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) events and services move online and are available virtually for those who need. Over the next several weeks, our blog will be highlighting each of our programs and how they have adapted to continue to serve the community during this difficult time.

Although this time at home can be confusing and stressful for children, it is more important than ever to have an open line of communication with your children. Our 15 Minute Child Break program, has been made virtual and can be a vital tool in talking to your child about drug and alcohol abuse and misuse.

The 15 Child Break program was established as a result of research done by PDFNJ which demonstrated that children who have regular communication with parents are 67 percent less likely to be involved in substance abuse than children who have little or no communication. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently promoted guidelines encouraging parents to talk to their children about this issue as early as age 9.

The 15 Minute Child Break program informs, encourages and empowers parents, grandparents and educators about how to communicate effectively with children about drugs and alcohol abuse and misuse. We have adapted the program to be made available either as an interactive 30-minute Zoom webinar or a prerecorded presentation.

A PDFNJ Coordinator can assist you in sharing the event with your community, school, business or faith-based organization as well.  To register for the program or host this virtual event please click here.

As we continue to navigate through this very difficult time, it is important that we continue to work toward prevention of substance use and abuse.  Please be sure to visit our website for access to the 15 Minute Child Break and all of the PDFNJ’s virtual initiatives, and as always let us know how we can help.

We encourage you to share this blog in with associates, colleagues, friends and family who may be interested in the free virtual programs PDFNJ offers.

We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.