The Center For Urban Youth & Family Development collaborated with Laying The Foundation Agency, University of Michigan Detroit Center, Public Allies, Wayne County Department of Human Services-Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative/Youth In Transition, and Citizens United For Youth Development Community Coalition to present a symposium on Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention. The keynote address was presented by Ms. Rowan A. Latif, Wayne County Substance Abuse Coalition Program Director. The activity was held in recognition of April being Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month and May being Foster Care Awareness Month. The event was a milestone for CUYFD in expanding our outreach to begin serving a larger demographic of greater metropolitan Detroit. While the target audience for the event was youth in or transitioning out of foster care, the symposium also served as an educational/training event for prevention professionals, social workers, and community activists. MCBAP Continuing Education Units were awarded to those individuals that completed the symposium. The CEU’s and certification was provided by Ms. Katherine Blakley, Executive Director of Laying the Foundation Substance Abuse Prevention Agency. The University of Michigan Detroit Center provided the facility and technical equipment and services for the symposium. Members of the Public Allies-Team Service Project along with members of Citizens United For Youth Development Community Coalition assisted CUYFD in organizing and coordinating the symposium as well as providing hostess service during the event.

The Wayne County Department of Human Services provided transportation and chaperones for the more than 25 young adults that are members of the Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative to participate in the symposium. MYOI was developed by DHS to provide support such as life skills, financial management, time management, and work force development for youth transitioning into adulthood.