RAP session to focus on teen secrets





Calabasas High School will conduct its first RAP (Resolve and Problem Solve) session for 2012 at 7 p.m. Wed., Jan. 18 in the school library.

Joey Levin, health clerk at the school, calls the session a “parent enlightenment group.” This month’s RAP will explore parental responsibilities when children get in trouble with the law.

Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station officer Jacob Gubran, J-Team Detective Scott Rule and a lawyer will discuss the do’s and don’ts of teen parties, driving issues, fights at school and other issues that fall under the umbrella of parental responsibility.

“There was a time when leaders led, teachers taught and parents parented,” Levin said. “In many cases this has changed, and not only are our kids paying the price, but society is also paying the price. And the price is steep.”

Levin noted that kids are under stress and keep many secrets.

“ Some are hanging with other kids whose habits we are not privy to, whose parents we may not really know,” she said. “The fact that your student makes good grades . . . doesn’t mean they can’t be exposed to some unsavory scenarios and then (not) know how to extricate themselves. Please don’t let yourselves off the hook by not being as aware as possible. The best thing we can do as parents is to be well-informed and wellequipped to handle whatever may come up.”

One scenario that often surprises parents is when their teen hosts a party while they are away. When the party goes “toxic,” parents are held responsible.

Many local cities have adopted “social host” ordinances. When teens are caught drinking alcohol at their home or causing a ruckus in the neighborhood with a loud, unchaperoned party, parents can be prosecuted in a civil court and face fines of up to $1,000 or more.

RAP will be in the Calabasas High School library at 22855 Mulholland Hwy. Call (818) 222- 7177 or email jlevin@lvusd.org.



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