What is an Early Intervention?

If your child has been using drugs and/or alcohol, an Early Intervention session on the Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) Campus is the first step in the right direction. This is a one-time, private meeting where your child, you, and a Face2Face Specialist can talk openly. Parents and guardians also receive helpful educational materials, and if needed, referrals to treatment services are provided.

What happens at an Early Intervention?

During the session, you and your child will meet with a specialist to talk about what led to the referral and to ask questions about your child’s use of drugs or alcohol. Both you and your child will also have private time with our staff. At the end, everyone comes together to review next steps, which may include referrals, resources, or a plan for moving forward.

Sessions usually last 45 minutes to an hour. They use simple, goal-focused strategies to encourage positive change and serve as an informal assessment of your child’s substance use. You’ll leave the meeting with a clear plan designed to support your child in making healthier choices. The program also uses tools like the CRAFFT screening, which is designed specifically for teens.

What’s expected of you as a parent/guardian?

Come with a positive and open attitude, be honest with us and follow through with any recommendations that come from the session. About two months later, you’ll be asked to complete a quick follow-up phone call to share how things are going.

Why is an Early Intervention important?

Early intervention is a powerful tool in preventing the escalation of teen drug use from experimentation to substance misuse. The earlier in use that you contact us, the better. By addressing substance use early on, parents and guardians can give teens a better chance at a substance free future. Substance use often coexists with mental health disorders, and early intervention addresses both issues simultaneously, preventing more severe mental health problems down the road.

We are here for you! Even if you are not sure if an early intervention is right for you, please contact us at (716) 827-9462 or face2face@ked.org. We are committed to providing support and resources to all in need.