What is the Keystone Program? Diane Geiser developed the Keystone Program to help adolescents and their families understand how the adolescent’s alcohol and drug use (including Nicotine) impacts major life areas. Through the program, Diane works with adolescents and their families to improve communication and develop problem solving-skills. Adolescents and families will work together to develop a "home contract" outlining expected behaviors and outcomes. This program has been available as an alternative to suspension or probation through Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire and New Trier High School in Wilmette, as well as for the Juvenile Probation Department of Lake County. Who should attend?

youth who have violated school drug and alcohol use policies families who are concerned about adolescent alcohol and drug use youth who want to stop using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes youth who have legal or school difficulties due to smoking or drug use youth who have problems with impulse control and/or decision making

If an adolescent is referred to the Keystone Program by a school social worker, or required to attend the program as an alternative to suspension or probation, the adolescent and the parent(s) must sign a "Release of Information." The Release of Information is necessary so that the recommendations and outcomes of participating in the Keystone Program may be forwarded back to referral source to confirm the student’s successful completion of the program. What is the commitment? The Keystone Program is offered as a one-time session. The program is 7 hours long, and is normally offered one Saturday each month. There is an optional 2-hour follow-up session, offered on subsequent Saturdays. This session is optional, but is strongly encouraged to reinforce accountability and provide a venue to review problem-solving skills and review the home contract. Adolescents and their families are expected to attend together. All participants are expected to be drug-free while attending the Keystone Program.

How much does it cost? The cost for the initial program is $500 per family. The follow-up session costs $100 per family.

When is the Keystone Program offered? The full-day sessions are scheduled throughout the school year (September through June), with follow-up sessions 6 weeks later. Dates are being selected now for the 2006-2007 school year. Please contact us for more information.