INFORMATIONAL

  The General Assembly has requested that I transmit a
  resolution from the 1998 session in order that you have
  the sense of the Assembly on the issue of substance abuse
  prevention and local collaborative efforts.

  Senate Joint Resolution No. 157 (copy attached) includes
  the following provisions:

  (1)     Each locality in the Commonwealth should designate a
            local Prevention Advisory and Planning Group
            inclusive of all agencies receiving prevention
            funding, as well as civic and social groups, local
            businesses, the faith community, private human
            service agencies, parents, and youth;

  (2)     Each local Prevention Advisory and Planning Group
            should develop, implement, and monitor a
            Comprehensive Community Prevention Plan, based on
            measurable community risk factors and designed to
            provide a continuum of prevention services for
            youths and families across agencies and community
            groups; and 

  (3)     The use of state agency prevention funds in
            localities should be guided by, and actively
            support, the goals and objectives outlined in the
            Comprehensive Community Prevention Plan.

  This resolution has direct implications for school
  divisions receiving prevention funding from the Virginia
  Departments of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and
  Substance Abuse Services; Health; Education; Corrections;
  Juvenile Justice; Social Services; and Motor Vehicles.

  If you have questions regarding this resolution, please
  contact Arlene Cundiff, Coordinator, Safe and Drug-Free
  Schools Program, at (804) 225-2871.

  PDS/saj

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memos and its 
               attachment will be sent to the 
               superintendent's office.