The Regional Directorate for Prevention and Combat to the Dependences promotes a training course addressed at professionals who perform among youngsters to take place in Angra do Heroísmo, starting on Monday.
This is a project that counts upon the support and scientific coordination of the European Institute for the Study of Risk Factors in Infancy and Adolescence (IREFREA).
In the first stage, training was provided to technicians from ARRISCA (Regional Association for Rehabilitation and Socio-Cultural Integration of the Azores) on the island of São Miguel.
According to Paula Costa, the Regional Directorate for Prevention and Combat to the Dependences, these technicians have been working in the field since September 2009 and their action has already covered 935 children and youngsters. At the present moment the same team develops a project on prevention in basic education schools.
The three-day training course to start in Angra do Heroísmo on Monday is addressed at professionals working in IPSS (private social solidarity institutions) from Terceira and Faial. 17 technicians from Caritas, Terra Chã Community Centre, Terceira Island Youth Association, Commission for the Protection of Children and Youngsters at Risk and the two City Halls of Terceira Island will participate in the initiative.
The Parents and Friends Association for the Disabled from Faial will be in charge of the coordination of the Municipal Plan for Prevention of Dependences in Horta.
These technicians, as it happens on São Miguel, will develop actions among children and youngsters in nightlife places, school surroundings and neighbourhood at risk.