Biennial Review of Brighton Center s Center for Employment Training s Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program

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1 Biennial Review of Brighton Center s Center for Employment Training s Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program Wonda Winkler Vice President Talia Frye Workforce Development Director Brandon Sirbu Center for Employment Training Coordinator Angela Blasingame Financial Aid Officer 1

2 Program Description CET has reviewed our drug and alcohol prevention program to ensure it includes all regulatory components and adjustments were made accordingly. CET conducted a biennial review of our drug prevention program and a copy of that review is attached, as well as evidence of distribution of the drug and alcohol policies to all applicable parties. Drug and Alcohol Prevention CET is committed to providing a drug and alcohol prevention program that follows all regulatory guidelines. This is an important component of CET s career development and life skills. CET Instructors spend time covering the effects of drugs, alcohol, and other substances on the individual, the family and the community. Trainees are expected to conduct themselves against defined principles of conduct at all times. This includes a zero tolerance policy concerning substance abuse. Abuse of any drug, which includes alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances while attending CET is strictly prohibited, and will subject any violator of this policy to disciplinary action, including withdrawal from the program. Any violation of this policy, while on CET property, constitutes grounds for immediate expulsion. By signing this policy, trainees agree to drug testing at the request and expense of CET at any time. Refusal of said testing demand will result in disciplinary actions, including expulsion. This policy has been adopted in order to protect the trainees attending CET, as well as to comply with accepted practices in the workplace. Most employers demand such tests of their potential employees, as well as random screens for their current workforce. CET will annually distribute to all staff and trainees a drug and alcohol prevention program that includes the following: Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by trainees and employees on our property or as part of any of our activities; A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol; A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students; and A clear statement that CET imposes disciplinary actions or sanctions on trainees and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law) for violations of standards of conduct required by regulation. These disciplinary actions are outlined in the Trainee Catalog for trainees and Brighton Center s policy and procedure manual for employees. These disciplinary actions are up to and including official withdrawal from CET for trainees to separation of employment for employees, and referral for legal prosecution. A disciplinary sanction or action may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. 2

3 To ensure compliance with Department of Education regulations and the Drug Free Schools and Campus Act, CET will conduct a biennial review to determine our program s effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed; and ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. Please see attached Brighton Center s Center for Employment Training Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program. Strengths of CET s Prevention Program 1. Brighton Center, Inc. is a private not-for-profit community based organization with the mission to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, and leadership throughout the communities of Northern Kentucky. We strive to achieve this mission by creating an environment that rewards excellence and innovation, encourages mutual respect, and maximizes resources. From modest beginnings in 1966 in a Newport storefront when we were founded, Brighton Center has grown to provide a uniquely comprehensive range of programs and services, including family and work supports; financial and homeownership services; workforce development services including education, employment and training programs; substance abuse recovery services for women; early childhood education; and neighborhood based programs including community organizing and housing development. During the last fiscal year, we served 74,035 individuals through 35 programs. Due to our comprehensive scope and mission, we are committed to support people to realize their hopes and dreams. Often, issues such as drugs and alcohol use and abuse can be obstacles to achieve one s full potential. We are engaged in over 75 different collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and initiatives, often in leadership positions, that allow us to effectively provide connections to needed services. Note the work of our Brighton Recovery Center for Women, a partner in a statewide Recovery Kentucky network of 12 centers across the Commonwealth serving men and women residential recovering from substance abuse. Family Center programs assist families to reach financial self-sufficiency through supportive intensive case management, training, and education. An emergency assistance program offers help with food through our Choice Food Pantry and USDA Commodities programs; clothing and other basic needs through financial assistance. Community Investment provides our neighborhood based services. A Community Organizer collaborates with other agencies and community groups to promote community action on local problems. Youth Leadership Development works with youth to build leadership and conduct community service projects. In addition to our Clothing Closet, Community Investment is responsible for the oversight of approximately 2,000 volunteers each year who assist our programs. Also, Brighton Center has over 375 volunteers serving at local non-profits through our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). We also educate seniors on the issue of Medicare fraud. 3

4 Early Childhood Education programs serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolage children and their families through a child development center and family day care satellite programs. Brighton Center also operates the United Way Coordinated Day Care Intake Program in Northern Kentucky that subsidizes day care for hundreds of children each year. Every Child Succeeds provides home visitation for first time moms. Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Youngsters (HIPPY) provides home visitation to families with children ages 3 to 5. Youth Services programs serve troubled adolescents and their families through the Homeward Bound Shelter for runaway and homeless youth (Northern Kentucky s only shelter specifically for youth), and Transitional Living Services for youth at risk of becoming homeless. Our outreach programs include Project Safe Place, a crisis intervention program in which over 250 local businesses participate. Financial Services works on improving credit, budgeting, getting banked, savings, making good financial decisions, assisting with asset building, and preparing individuals and families for homeownership. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites are offered to assist with tax preparation in Campbell, Boone and Grant counties. Our Workforce Development serves trainees of the eight counties. Career Connections provides core, intensive, and training services for Workforce Investment Act participants through the One Stop Northern Kentucky. For over 36 years, we have conducted job training programs for adults and youth. Since April 1997, we have offered comprehensive and holistic training through the Center for Employment Training (CET). Step Up serves young parents and youth who have dropped out of school with GED preparation, life skills, and parenting training as well as placement in employment and/or post-secondary education. The Brighton Recovery Center is a 100 bed facility that provides substance abuse recovery services for women. This facility began operations on May 14, Brighton Center also has a wholly owned subsidiary known as Brighton Properties, Inc. Brighton Properties acquires real estate for the purpose of renting or leasing to Brighton Center or other non-profit charitable organizations. Brighton Properties also manages assets such as Two Rivers, Austinburg, and Saratoga Place Apartments for seniors, as well as oversees affordable housing development. Programs for the elderly include the Newport East Senior Center (a cooperative program with Northern Kentucky Area Development District) and social services for residents of HUD Section 202 elderly/handicapped housing. Other projects include Newport Commons (12 disabled rental units) and Williams Place Apartments (29 multi-family rental units). 2. CET s program design is comprehensive and holistic, including skill training, basic skills improvement, job readiness and career development, and personal development improving the quality of a person s life skills. It is through career development and life skills that CET focuses heavily on drug and alcohol prevention. Specifically focusing on employer expectations, legal issues, risk factors associated with drug and alcohol use, and the programs that are available in the community to help trainees. 3. Since there is a high rate of co-occurring disorders (people with mental health and substance abuse issues) we will partner with NorthKey, Catholic Charities, and others who provide 4

5 mental health services to ensure that trainees are aware and connected to appropriate services. 4. CET has clear expectations on Trainee Conduct and Disciplinary Action. Since our staff are working to strengthen behaviors of trainees that will allow them to successfully retain employment, any issues or behaviors are addressed immediately. Support is provided by a Unit Team of staff that discussion issues of concern about each trainee as appropriate and issues are addressed in a timely manner, this includes issues of concern for trainees that may have drug and alcohol issues. Appropriate referrals are made as appropriate if warranted. 5. In the last two years, no trainees have been officially withdrawn from CET for abuse of any drug, which includes alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances while attending CET. Nor has any violation of our substance abuse policy, while on CET property, resulted in immediate expulsion. Priorities for Improvement of CET s Prevention Program Over the next two years, Brighton Center s Center for Employment Training will focus on the following opportunities for improvement: 1. Review all career development and life skills curriculum to ensure consistency of materials utilized in all skill divisions. 2. Identify ways to increase employee knowledge and training around drug and alcohol issues including identification of trainees exhibiting behaviors that are not a direct result of selfreport on behalf of a trainee. 3. Increase the involvement of the Newport Police Department in on-campus activities, including but not limited to drug recognition training and legal issues related to drug and alcohol charges. 5