Contact:           

Lindsay Hansen                           Diane Delong                    

Catholic Charities                        Catholic Charities         

(480) 205-6195                           (928)778-2531 ext. 54014

lhansen@cc-az.org                      ddelong@cc-az.org     

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 10, 2007)…October kicks off Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership LET'S TALK MONTH campaign in Prescott.  The goal of the campaign is to provide parents and children in Yavapai County with an opportunity to communicate in an open and honest manner about sexuality and other sensitive issues that can help young people avoid risk taking behavior. 

“We want the community to know we are a resource,” said Diane DeLong, North Star Youth Partnership, program director. “Talking to teens about love, relationships and sex can be difficult.  But, North Star is here to guide you through the process; we know how important it is for parents to share their beliefs and values with their children.  We have tools to help make your conversations about sex easier.  The sooner you can engage in meaningful discussions about sex, the better.”

During Let’s Talk Month, North Star Youth Partnership is holding a parent workshop at Cottonwood Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.  The two-hour long event will help parents understand the pressures and risks facing youth today.  Attendees will also learn 10 steps you can take to help your child make good choices. 

Throughout the year, North Star Youth Partnership offers the following parent worships which are open to the public and free of charge:

• Sex, Drugs & Even Rock ‘N Roll – This 90 minute workshop focuses on sexually transmitted diseases, communication tips, substance abuse, today’s media and its impact on youth.

• Presentations (60-90 minutes) – Topics include:

       *Teens & Sex: What Are The Effects?

       *What Adults Need to Know About Teens & Sex

• Plain Talk for Parents & Can We Talk? – These four-hour workshops offer a comprehensive parent/child communication program to build healthy relationships and improve family communication.  The workshop includes sex on TV, puberty, setting boundaries and more.

Throughout the year, North Star Youth Partnership also offers other resources to parents in Yavapai County:

• Parent Packs- Contains communication tips, talking points, brochures and scenarios to help you talk (and listen) to your kids.

• Lending Library- Great books on loan from North Star.

• Statistics & Research- Information on upcoming conferences, presentations and the latest statistics and research on teen sexual health.

According to DeLong, a positive family relationship cannot be underestimated as a primary factor that protects adolescents from engaging in risky behaviors.

"Communication between parents and children is vitally important.  Parents who clearly communicate to their child the importance of delaying sex can help reduce the risk that their child will engage in sexual activity. Studies show that children want to talk with their parents and rank them as the biggest influence in their decisions about sex," she said.

During LET’S TALK MONTH, TAPP is offering free "parent packs" complete with communication tips and suggestions about how to effectively talk to their children about risk taking behavior. North Star has also produced a new parent brochure to help parents talk to their children available to the public free of charge.  For more information on LET'S TALK MONTH or to receive a parent pack or the new brochure, call Diane DeLong at 778-2531 ext. 54014.

About Catholic Charities

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis.  Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths.  Last year, the charitable organization provided over 50 programs at 100 locations to more than 200,000 people in central and northern Arizona.  Catholic Charities is a member organization of Catholic Charities USA which is the largest private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.  The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services.  To learn more about Catholic Charities visit CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

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