NCJ Number
150887
Date Published
1994
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A video that profiles four teenagers from inner-city neighborhoods is used with a discussion and activity guide to instruct adolescents in the value of setting goals, developing talents, and staying in school.
Abstract
The video portrays Oscar, a 16-year-old who lives in San Francisco's Mission District, an area known for its gang violence and drugs. Oscar realizes that becoming a drug user would mean losing his family, friends, and maybe even his life. Tracy is an 18-year-old recovering drug addict and alcoholic. Despite a drug overdose that nearly kills her, she finds the courage and help to fight her addiction and build a worthwhile future. William is a 17-year-old from Boston's Mission Hill area, a community plagued by drug problems. William finds positive and challenging activities within his neighborhood to divert him from alcohol and drug use. Dellicia is a 15-year-old from Boston's Mission Hill area who participates in various school and community activities. She plans to go to college and has no room for drugs in her daily life. The discussion and activity guide recommends stopping the video after each profile to discuss the issues raised. Topics included in the discussion are youths at risk, the role of school and community groups in guiding youth, and parental involvement.