Rick of Winslow, ME Whenever the subject has to do with kids, Nonny is a teacher . .whenever the subject has to do with criminals, Nonny is a probation officer . .

Something ain't right . . .report abuse

Nonny of Gainesville, FL As a teacher and as a parent of a 7-yr-old (and also a teen), there IS something definitely wrong in the family if your child is using drugs at age 8. It may not be "too late" to save the child, but the ENTIRE FAMILY needs saving as well. Just treating the child and then returning the child to the same family is the problem. The same goes for kids who get out of jails, alternative schools and boot camps and are returned to the same lousy homes and neighborhoods. The kids are NOT the problem. The environment in which the kid was raised (ie. OFTEN THE PARENTS) are the problem. A healthy, happy, morally-sound 8 year old wouldn't want to touch drugs. In fact, by age 8 the schools have drilled kids not to touch cigarettes and the rest of the bad stuff. At age 5, my own disgusted son told the entire waiting room of a doctor's office that his own mother used to smoke cigarettes after he overheard me tell the doctor of my past use!report abuse

concerned person of mid maine, ME The article says that the schools need a strong referral policy. How will that help?
When there was a strong adolescent inpatient/intensive outpatient program at MaineGeneral the schools didn't send the kids so the program was shut down.
Where are the kids supposed to get referrals to?report abuse

FRANCO of RICHMOND, ME kevin..your right it's never to late to steer a young adult in the right direction..even some older adults need to get sit down and have them reflect on thier ways..thats what friends are for..
at least thats the way i see it...if i an get a friend to reduce his drinking ..or put down that cig...
i'm being a real friend..
we need to pay more attention to todays youths..even if they aren't are own..report abuse