Members of the Citizen Advocates Prevention Team meet online to discuss plans for the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program. Team members include Mary White, Brenda Collette, Lisa Lawrence-Boyer, Cara Mathers, Teri Marlowe, Kaleigh Thomas and Tracy Gravell. (Photo provided)

MALONE — Citizen Advocates was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to implement the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program.

This program is part of the state’s broader initiative to combat the opioid epidemic. It is designed to assist families in developing strong, healthy relationships, using group and individual sessions facilitated by professionals at Citizen Advocates.

Citizen Advocates’ established Prevention Program was chosen for this opportunity as one of only nine other prevention programs around the state. The Citizen Advocates Prevention Team has been embedded in Franklin County schools since 1986, where it promotes awareness, resources and education related to youth mental health and addiction.

Citizen Advocates says the Triple P program has been shown to reduce risky behaviors among youth, such as substance abuse and crime, by encouraging positive social behavior and emotional well-being. Citizen Advocates also says the program has also demonstrated success in reducing parental depression, stress, anxiety and family conflict, and increasing positive family interactions.

A significant portion of this program will be focused around creating collaboration among stakeholders such as educators, health care providers, police and youth organizations.

Kary Johnson, vice president of integrated services at Citizen Advocates, said in a press release that she is excited by this opportunity.

“In our work, we recognize that families, through strong partnerships with caregivers and community stakeholders, have the strongest influence on children for whom we all strive so tirelessly to educate and support.”