Adolescent risk-taking is focus of conference for those who work with youth

Buffalo, NY - A conference targeting professionals who work with youth will address adolescent risk taking behaviors and decision making on September 28, 2011, at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center. The conference, titled Can we talk? About Sex, Youth and Risky Behaviors, will be sponsored by the Erie County Health Department, the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers' Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAPP), Planned Parenthood of Western New York, along with the Buffalo Public Schools, Erie 1 BOCES and several other local service providers.

            "Today's youth are bombarded with messages from sources such as YouTube©, social networks, television, and movies - all of which can provide good information and positive messages," said Ellen Trautman, project director, CAPP.  "But they can also give misleading information and inappropriate erotic, violent, and graphic images.

            "Those of us who work with teens constantly need to tune up our skills in communicating with adolescents in order to help them avoid risky behaviors."

             The conference will feature three trainings: Positive Peer Connections, facilitated by Mary Diana Pouli - Amherst Youth Bureau; "Really" Engaging Youth, by Jutta Dotterweich, training coordinator, ACT for Youth Center of Excellence, Cornell University; and Adolescents + "?" = Risky Behaviors, facilitated by Chris Spicer, coordinator, CAPP of Planned Parenthood of WNY. 

            To register go to: www.erie.gov/health and click on Can we talk? About Sex, Youth and Risky Behaviors. There is a registration fee of $25.  OASAS/CASAC credits of 4.75 hrs are also available.

BFNC has served Buffalo and Erie County continuously since 1893 through its programs for youths, adults and seniors.  The agency's mission is to help individuals manage their life issues, unlock their full potential, while enriching community life.  For additional program information, visit BFNC online at www.bfnc.org.##