Prevention and Positive Youth Development

The Clackamas County Prevention Coalition (CCPC) is a collaboration of partners representing county government, schools, youth serving organizations, law enforcement agencies, civic and volunteer groups, health-care professionals, and other stakeholders in the community who are interested in promoting healthy, safe communities and positive youth development, with a focus on reducing underage drug and alcohol use and associated harms. We do this by raising awareness, enhancing skills, providing support, altering physical environments to reduce risky behaviors, and modifying or creating policies and strive to center youth voice and equity in these activities.

We also work with partners to promote the principles of Restorative Justice and advance an alternative approach to disciplinary action for student substance use. We host in-person and online trainings for school staff and community partners to build a better understanding of these principles and set the stage for change. A Restorative Justice approach can reduce suspensions and racial disparities in discipline while simultaneously raising student achievement levels.

CCPC meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Diverse perspectives are welcome and anyone interested is encouraged to attend and join.

Contact Brian McCrady at bmccrady@clackamas.us or 503-348-4261 or Elizabeth White at ewhite@clackamas.us or 503-402-4087 for more information.

The CCPC supports local community coalitions throughout Clackamas County and convenes countywide prevention enthusiasts for ongoing project partnerships.

Positive Community Norms is an evidence-based strategy that raises awareness and reduces underage drinking and drug use by reinforcing positive parenting practices and changing misperceptions about youth use. Most people think the majority of teenagers drink alcohol and/or use drugs, but the true norm is most teens are making healthy choices. Building awareness about Positive Community Norms is way for people to learn and understand the "real" norm – changing a youth's decision to start in the first place. To be a part of the majority group, youth will choose not to use drugs and/or alcohol.

In the classroom setting, we provide a lesson on Positive Community Norms followed by a poster assignment, demonstrating the student's new understanding.

For more information Contact Brian McCrady at bmccrady@clackamas.us or 503-348-4261.

PreventNet Community Schools is a school-based service system designed to improve outcomes for children, youth and their families by creating a web of support among schools, non-profit agencies, community members, local businesses and local government. Prevention and early intervention services in local schools include addressing poor academic performance, truancy, family management problems, alcohol and other drug use, poverty/homelessness, and negative peer association. Each of these sites is the result of collaboration and partnership between Clackamas County, the school, and a local non-profit organization that delivers the services and houses Program Site Coordinators.

PreventNet is funded through grants awarded to the Children, Family and Community Connections, by the Oregon Department of Education, Youth Development Division.

Todos Juntos and Northwest Family Services operate services throughout Clackamas County.

Most Oregon and Clackamas County teens are not using cannabis, yet 47% of Clackamas County eleventh graders in 2020 said cannabis was easy to get. To protect young minds you can start talking with youth about underage cannabis use and keep cannabis secure. 

Securing your cannabis keeps small children and teens safe from misuse or accidental ingestion. To obtain a secure locking container for cannabis or other drugs contact Brian McCradyat bmccrady@clackamas.us  or 503-348-4261.

Consulting the county and local organizations on elevating youth voice, combatting adultism, and implementing equitable youth services. The Youth Action Board helps youth connect with resources regarding homelessness, mental health, and related issues.