The conference brochure and registration form has already been sent via U.S. mail. If you have not yet received one and wish to register, please go to the NATSAP website below. Also, if you have not already done so, please make your room reservations. Once again, a block of rooms has been reserved for out of town guests.

To make your hotel reservations, please call the Riverhouse Reservation line at:

• 1-866-453-4480

For those of you who will be arriving on Wednesday the 9th, there will be a special, pre-conference dinner at the Crossings Restaurant at the Riverhouse.

Thank you for your ongoing support for the NW Regional NATSAP Conference and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Erick Scheiderman, Conference Co-Chair, Bridges Academy, Toll-Free: 1 - 888-283-7362 Ext. 112.

Susanne Buxbaum and Kate Buxbaum will be taking a one month hiatus from their regular columns during the month of August.

Every year, for the past six years, Kate and Susanne have made the trek to Tepeji del Rio in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, with doctors, dentists, nurses, opticians, pediatricians and neurologists, to participate in "El Projecto Nino".

Most of the professionals are from Fresno Children's Hospital in Fresno, California, via a partnership between the Fresno Rotary Club and three Rotary Clubs in the State of Hildalgo.

An elementary school is cleared out, classrooms burn into doctor's offices and this group of volunteers sets up shop for a week, delivering free medical services to the residents of this and neighboring communities. Susanne and Kate's involvement in this effort has been a result of the encouragement of Susanne's husband, Dr. Bill Jones, an educator at Monterey Peninsula College, who has been involved with this project for seventeen years. Susanne and Kate continue to return, year after year, to provide informational presentations and private counseling, what has now been jokingly referred to by the El Projecto Nino team as "speed therapy". They see families, children, teachers and factory workers - anyone, many residents from this tiny town as well as others who make the journey, often on foot and frequently waiting hours (or days) for eye exams, dental work, or to talk to Kate or Susanne about family issues, substance abuse or domestic violence.

The particular challenges Susanne and Kate face, when working with individuals or families in this community, are a lack of resources (for referral sources), the type which we access so easily in the United States, as well as difficulty assuring follow- through once the team has gone home.

Wonderfully enough, some families have returned the following year to tell them that something they suggested, some idea they recommended to a mother or adolescent, was a success! This is the 21st year for El Projecto Nino, an opportunity for giving in which these two professionals consider themselves fortunate to participate.

It can kill suddenly, and it can kill those who sniff for the first time. Every year, young people in this country and all over the world, die of inhalant abuse. Hundreds suffer severe consequences, including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control, and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow.

Today more than 1,000 different products (mostly "household products) are commonly abused. Other harmful, irreversible effects may be hearing loss, peripheral neuropathies or limb spasms, central nervous system damage or blood oxygen depletion.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that one in five American teenagers have used inhalants to get high. According to NIDA, research suggests that chronic or long-term inhalant abusers are among the most difficult drug abuse patients to treat. Many suffer from cognitive impairment and other neurological dysfunction and may experience multiple psychological and social problems. Many youngsters say they begin sniffing when they were in grade school. They start because they feel these substances can't hurt them, because of it's popular with their peers, or as a means to deflect low self-esteem. (Most attractive is availability and cost.)

Once hooked, these victims find it a tough habit to break.

• What is inhalant abuse?

Even worse, victims can die suddenly -- without any warning.

"Sudden Sniffing Death" can occur during or right after sniffing. The heart begins to overwork, beating rapidly but unevenly, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Even first-time abusers have been known to die from sniffing inhalants.

• What products are abused?


Ordinary household products, which can be safely used for legitimate purposes, can be problematic in the hands of an inhalant abuser. The following categories of products are reportedly abused: glues/adhesives, nail polish remover, marking pens, paint thinner, spray paint, butane lighter fluid, gasoline, propane gas, typewriter correction fluid, household cleaners, cooking sprays, deodorants, fabric protectors, whipping cream aerosols, and air conditioning coolants.

The Core Solutions organization is designed to promote and support family healing. It was founded for Schools and Programs who understand the difficult position their families face. These Schools can now respond by offering solid solutions that will take family healing to the next level by making it possible for the entire family to become an involved part of the solution.

• The problems presented to a family of an out- of-control teen are not limited to the teen.

Our Schools really understand the challenges their families face. Additionally, they also understand they may be dealing with other pressures such as a two- household family, the lack of support or even criticism at the decision they've made for their child, hostilities from the other siblings still at home, a single parent carrying the burden alone, and so forth.

The challenges and pressures are varied, but very real.

Moving forward with such a profound solution needed on their child's behalf can produce enormous stress.

Because our Schools recognize the need parents, and even extended family have for support and understanding, they choose to offer Core Solutions Community for their families.

It is a private, on- line 24/7 Community board, specific to their School or Program. There they will be welcomed by other parents of their School's Community who are already engaged in the process and in the best position to offer support, encouragement, hope and understanding.

Shane is charged with First Degree Murder.

Sentence: 55 years in prison.

Shane is sharing his poems in hopes to help other troubled teens that are experiencing the same situations as he when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He hopes his poems will help others to see and understand that alcohol and drugs, even marijuana, CAN and WILL ruin a life as well as the lives of others around you.

• Tragedy

However he came to realize, a little too late, that a little bit of alcohol and a little bit of weed only leads to a desire for stronger and more stuff, which also means tougher crowds and also means bigger trouble.

He hopes that he can get into the heads of the kids who are thinking the same way he did and help them realize it will kill you and that you may not be buried under ground but your life, as well as many others, will be lost because of "a little bit of drugs or alcohol".

He believes that if kids hear and see what these behaviors and habits can do, hear it from someone who had lived it, is paying the penalty and is not yet an adult, perhaps someone who is now a young adult as is he, maybe his message can get them to think about choosing a better path.

(unedited as received)

Coming to my "clinical boarding school"(*) was the best thing that ever happened to me.

My parents trusted Dore, and now Dore is a trusted friend.

A part of being here is learning to structure your days, and your life, to become successful.

We learn to meet the daily expectations of those around us, as well as the expectations we have for ourselves. Take our daily routine, for example. We get up every morning ready to start our day on time at 7:30 a.m. We prepare our meals, iron and wash our clothes, make our beds, and clean up our bedrooms.

We go to school at the same time every day. We learn about everything from art to biology, and dance to history, to language, math, and reading. Its a lot like regular school but with one major difference, at least for me. Before, when I didnt feel like going to school, I just didn't go. Now, there are people around to support me and remind me that going to school will help me succeed in the future. We also spend time every day in group meetings, learning how to make the right choices so that once we graduate, we will be successful.

We learn weekly responsibilities such as budgeting our money and we spend time volunteering in the community. My days keep me busy. The structure they provide helps me construct my own life. I've learned how to be on time and how to figure out what needs to get done to accomplish my goals.

Ive learned how to become more responsible and how to create a better future for myself and my family.

(*) This student is still in their program and the parents wish this to be kept confidential a this time. If you are a student with a success story or a parent, or a program, please write and let us know. We will publish one success story per month and will only share information in which we are given permission. Write to Dore@DoreFrances.com.

Academy at Canyon Creek and its owners are involved in every aspect of program development and design. With over 85 years of combined experience in helping youth reach their full potential, this core management team of professionals have designed the best possible facilities and have combined the best possible treatment and education offerings available.

Current management of the program and oversight includes:

• Robert E. Marshall, M.Ed., Chief Executive Officer

Horizon Family Solutions is excited to announce the fourth, completing component of our services: Family Matters Group, a strength-based, highly individualized, needs driven, Wraparound-style team designed to assure a successful transition of children returning to their homes from therapeutic residential programs.

• CLOSING THE LOOP

Data is collected containing historic information such as intake interviews, program progress reports, academic documents, pre-placement education or mental health assessments, as well as the original information shared with Dore Frances, HFS Educational Consultant; herself, a graduate of a 10 week Wraparound course and a major fan of this evidence-based practice.

New information is also collected by the team to help create the Transition Home Team: the names of possible informal support team members such as nuclear and extended family members, supportive neighbors, favorite teachers or coaches or close family friends.

As weekly (or bi-weekly conversations take place between the *FMT and the family members, several plans will naturally evolve; naturally for the Family Matters team of professionals and magically for the family that has been under enormous stress, struggling with feelings of guilt, worried about the future and anxious (AND often fearful) for the family to be reunited. Ongoing discussions will take place (which will be completed when the child returns), to help the FMT identify the strengths of each family member; a Strengths Assessment. In addition, all members of the family will have an opportunity to express their needs as a family as well as their individual needs, which they see as requirements to make reunification successful. Parents may anticipate the need for respite, opportunities to share their ongoing journey with other parents or need guidance with a new IEP.

The returning child may identify some of his needs as help with relationships at school, transportation to 12-Step programs, strategies to meet new friends as well as strategies to avoid the old ones whose values may not fit into the picture anymore. Siblings may need ways in which they can feel balance in the schedule of household chores, privacy or quiet during homework time, or help locating a weekend job.

• *FMT will reference Family Matters Team throughout the remainder of this document.

• THE FAMILY SAFETY PLAN

The FAMILY SAFETY PLAN is developed, also prior to the return of the child, and developed from data and interviews described above, considering a childs pre- placement behaviors or danger zones. This process and outcome information is probably the most critical piece of the Transition Plan. The FMT has had the experience of transitioning hundreds of children home, some from group homes, juvenile hall, residential programs, or out of or into foster placements.

The strategy that often eases the minds of families experiencing anxiety about a childs return, is that the developed Transition Plan and Safety Plan will be revised, if necessary, until and the family agrees that its a plan that they can live with and believe in.

The occurrences described above impact the behaviors of children, taking the form of simple survival mechanisms (fight or flight), and are the result of incidents or events over which the child had absolutely no control.

Once the behaviors are identified (a list compiled by the Home Team (the new team compiled of family members and the FMT), strategies agreed to, in the event that the behaviors return, then the Family Safety Plan is created.

The Family Safety Plan is then written and rehearsed until the family feels confident that any version of those familiar situations may reappear.

• CREATING TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS

The strategy to help a family tolerate just living through some painful memories is for the FMT to move forward with strength-based, authentic dialogue which the family will learn to emulate is called, reframing. It can and will become the tone for conversations the family will have together in nearly every possible future setting. The strategy of reframing, makes strength-based language possible, particularly when deficit- based language has been heard and often repeated, out of habit, by families for years.

Deficit-based language describes all of the things that are wrong about a child, but with practice, soon shifts into neutral . When the family is really getting it, really starts to think, automatically, in the way in which the team is talking, it shifts again, this time to Strength- Based language.

• WHEN DOES IT ALL HAPPEN?

Once the combined HOME TEAM (Informal Supports + Family +FMT), is in place, that team will dialogue weekly in virtual meetings via webcams. Fortunately for anxious parents, the FMT is available via a 24/7 Crisis Line, for both parents and the child until stabilization has become evident. HOME TEAM Members should plan for weekly, one hour meetings with a specific team-developed agenda, (prepared in advance of the meeting with agenda items contributed by all members), Action Plans with members identified as responsible (and as having the strengths to fit the task) who will report back to the HOME TEAM.

Due dates for the completion of Action Items are set and reviewed each week.

• HOMECOMING

The child will NOT return to the same family with fears and anxieties as he/she left, but to a Home Team using Strength-Based Language, a Home Team ready to listen carefully for his/her new needs and incorporate the childs new information into the Transition Plan in process. At this time, when the Home Team is complete, the Family Vision, will be developed as a group project with the input of each, individual family member.

• SOUND COMPLICATED? SOUND HARD TO DO?

For Information contact:

• Susanne Buxbaum, MA, MS
• Susanne@Susannebuxbaum.com
• (831) 373-2209
• Certified Wraparound Trainer, Providing Ongoing Wraparound Trainings to Agencies, Mental Health Professionals and Social Workers & Former Wraparound Program Director

I gotta say, I like their stuff. It's entertaining, and at the very least the message is positive. The message that I got is basically this: Going about trying to change your world by running amok fixing everything outside of you is bass ackwards. Instead, fix your inner world with feelings like joy and that's what you'll create. Believe! ~ H.S., Colorado


This book is great. I found it while I was looking for information on doing a project for school. It has signs to look for if you think you're in an abusive relationship, and stories about girls that have gone through this situation. There is also a story from a mother's view. It is a wonderful book. I think anyone that thinks they might be in this situation should read this book.~ S.T, N.J.

After reading the book, it made me think twice before I send my child on a time-out. As someone who relied heavily on rewards and punishments through part of my life as a parent, Kohn's book helped me decide that rewards and punishments are a last resort, after more loving techniques have failed. C.R., Florida

Our seven-year-old dog died this summer, and our children were having a hard time dealing with it. I found this book, and was able to put a wonderful journal of his role in our family, from the day he was born to his last days with us. It has thoughtful sections that just about anyone can fill in about their dogs. Now, when we're sad, we turn to the book and it keeps him with us. It would have been great to have when he was alive, and I'm getting one for the other dog. ~ Dorothy B, Washington

This book may be small in size, but it packs a hefty punch in terms of shattering personal illusions and opening up a path to personal freedom. I consider this book a must-have for anyone wanting to become more conscious and wanting freedom from personal stories and agreements that cause suffering. ~ Dore Frances, Bend, Oregon

As a teenager about to enter the "real world," it seemed all I heard from others was what I was "not" doing right. I should know more than I did and be more grateful for what I have; what college did I want to attend? Why wasn't I more ambitious? What's more, I was odd for being frightened by the fact that the world as I knew it was about to fall apart when all my friends moved away to college. Raised among addicts and alcoholics, it had been a difficult life thus far. And apparently, if what teachers told me was any indication, it would only get more difficult as I took on the responsibilities of being an adult. This book gave me something that I so desperately needed and could find nowhere else: compassion. ~ W.W., California

I've read many self-help books over 20 years time and all have helped in some way. However, this book has helped me in a BIG way. The book is an amazingly comprehensive explanation on how our attitudes and thoughts shape our lives, and how to approach all of life's situations so that you are prospered. The book explains that the word "rich" means having an "abundance of good" or living a fuller, more satisfying life, and that you are prosperous to the degree that you are experiencing peace, health, happiness and plenty in your world. So as well as becoming financially independent and secure, all areas of your life prosper, such as relationships, health, ect., and really, that's what everyone wants, even if they don't realize it. ~ Kenneth C., Sacramento, California

Its no secret that children do not come with instructions, and there have been many times when I needed help with answers to my childrens toughest questions. A Parents Guide to Growing Pains gave me the extra help I needed in tackling those issues that are most difficult to talk about with my children. ~ Susan S., California

Falcon Ridge Ranch has a fully integrated program of equine therapy which includes individual, group and family therapy, an equine science class horsemanship skills and an equine leadership program. This year the equine program at the Ranch set the goal of providing training for therapists and equine specialists.

In collaboration with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Falcon Ridge Ranch sponsored a level one training attended by equine therapists, and specialists from across the country. In November the Ranch will be partnering with E.A.G.A.L.A again to sponsor a level two certification training. Due to overwhelming demand, January will see an additional level one training hosted by Falcon Ridge Ranch.

Falcon Ridge Ranch is excited to announce the implementation of a specialized internship opportunity endorsed by E.A.G.A.L.A. for individuals and programs seeking to enhance their therapeutic program.

The internship offers development, and enhancement of appropriate E.A.P. skills with individuals, groups, and families. There will be opportunities to shadow Equine teams in action and practice skills under the supervision of our own equine experts. Falcon Ridge Ranch began incorporating a multidimensional equine program four years ago in addition to their successful clinical treatment for students and their families. Research indicates that equine assisted psychotherapy is a powerful therapeutic tool in the recovery of students and families alike.

Falcon Ridge Ranch is delighted to provide the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that has contributed to the accomplishment of so many.

Professionals interested in obtaining additional information can reach us at, www.falcon ridgeranch.com or by phone, (866) 968-4673, or the official E.A.G.A.L.A. website, www.eagala.org

When: Friday, 4pm to Sunday 4pm, September 15 -17, 2006
Where: Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado
Visit Our Site - The Wilderness Therapy Symposium at Naropa University The Wilderness Therapy Symposium at Naropa University brings together clinicians, field instructors, rites of passage guides, individuals seeking employment, referring professionals, students, and personnel from related programs and encourages the sharing of skills and knowledge through interactive, experiential workshops.

The symposium encourages intensive collaboration between the fields of Adventure Therapy, Adventure Education, Ecopsychology, and Clinical Psychology and promotes networking amongst a wide variety of professionals and therapeutic programs.

This event is sponsored by: Northlight Family Services; Aspen Education Group Wilderness Division; Wilderness Quest; the Independent Small Programs Alliance; Monarch School; and AIM House. Due to a CU Buffaloes college football game, it may be difficult to find lodging within Boulder on this weekend. To secure a hotel room within Boulder you will need to book immediately. As an alternative solution, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Radisson Hotel 13.5 miles from conference location. We have a private bus that can transport you daily between the hotel and campus, and the public city bus also services this route hourly. Please contact our registration office at 800.603.3117 for more information regarding housing and transportation.

Working on behalf of families, both domestic and abroad.

Times may have changed dramatically over the years, but one thing hasnt changed: Happy and Healthy family life remains just as important today as it was back then.

Take a moment to find out more about us, how we work to help keep families happy and healthy, and how we might be of service to your family. See our new site!

Passages To Recovery will be featured in an upcoming episode of "Intervention" on A&E.

It features an 18 yr old male who used to be a straight "A" student until he turned to methamphetamine to cope with his mother's near- fatal illness.

The episode is scheduled to air on A&E (check local listings for channel in your area) on Sunday, July 30, 2006 at 10 p.m. (PST) and again on September 10, 2006. Passages to Recovery is a treatment and recovery program set in the wilderness. The treatment program integrates the philosophy of the twelve steps with traditional therapy and the healing power of the wilderness. Passages to Recovery is a living intervention whose primary focus is to promote a holistic approach to lifestyle, embracing spirituality and accountability for one's actions. Passages to Recovery assists students in the process of identifying and confronting their fears, struggles, and patterns of behavior in a supportive and emotionally safe environment.

Call 866-625-8809 to speak with someone or Click Below to visit their website for more information.