National 'Kick Butts' day observed at area schools

Professional Bull Rider Wiley Petersen expresses to Tyhee students and staff the importance of pursuing dreams by being drug-free. (Carmencita Mejia photo)

POCATELLO— In observance of National “Kick Butts” day on Tuesday, March 9 Professional Bull Rider Wiley Petersen spoke on behalf of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Health Education Tobacco Project at local schools to raise awareness on prevention of tobacco use by adolescents.
Petersen a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal member and Idaho Project Filter spokesperson stopped in at Stalker Elementary, Blackfoot High School, Blackfoot Sixth-Grade School, Tyhee Elementary, and Hawthorne Jr. High School.
His discussion consisted of his life dream striving for a career as a professional bull rider. “Life challenges you in many ways. Believe in yourself; strengthen yourself by being alcohol and drug free. If I got into drugs and smoking it would have taken away my dream and I wouldn’t be where I am at today. Continue your education and study hard it takes a lot of work to achieve your goals,” he said.
LeeAnn Dixey Avila stated the best outcome for the program is to address all students as a whole. More presentations will be done later in the school year for the Great American Smoke Out.

THHS Counseling & Family Services hosting 'Getting through Grief' conference March 23 at Sho-Ban High School

FORT HALL – Counseling and Family Services will host their 7th annual “Getting Through Grief” conference on Tuesday, March 23 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High School.
The conference agenda will include a survivor’s panel, a hands-on project and a group media project. There will also be a slide show presentation to honor community members who have died in the past year. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Free T-shirts will be given to those who attend the entire conference. Please bring at least three photos of your loved ones to use on the projects.
The event is open to the community especially those who are grieving for a loved one, for those with family or friends struggling with grief, for those who would like to learn more about grief, for everyone.
After the conference a sweat lodge ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Counseling and Family Services with dinner provided.

Teen Dating violence and abuse

By Jamey L. Windt
Teen dating violence and abusive treatment is an epidemic problem that is prevalent in all socioeconomic groups. Teen dating violence and abuse is similar to and can be as lethal as adult relationship violence and abuse. Both include hitting, yelling, threatening, name calling and other forms of verbal, sexual, emotional abuse and physical violence.
If you are in this situation or know someone who is, help and resources are available. If you are a parent and suspect that your teenager is possibly involved in an abusive relationship, there are signs and symptoms to watch for.
As a parent;
Is your teen withdrawing from school activities?
•Has your teen become secretive, ashamed or hostile toward you, other family members or friends when you question the quality of relationship that they are in? •Does your teen's partner call her all of the time to 'check on her'?
•Does your teen apologize for her partner's behavior?
•Has your teen stopped hanging out with friends?
•Does your teen have unexpected bruises or wear clothing that may be hiding bruising?
Are you a possible victim of teen dating abuse or do you know someone who you suspect is being abused? It is important not to ignore it, or think that it is not your business or concern.
Some things to watch for in an abuser are;
•Are they jealous and possessive? They won't let you have friends, check up on you constantly, and have you 'walking on egg shells'?
•Try to CONTROL you by being bossy, giving orders, make all of the decisions, don't care about your opinions?
•Put you down or embarrass you in front of friends, including any of your accomplishments or goals?
•Scare or threaten you, make you worry about his reactions all of the time?
•Has a history of failed (and possibly abusive) relationships and blames it on the other person?
•Does your family and friends show concern for your safety and well being?
•Do they always blame you for how they feel or act?
•Do they treat you roughly; grab, push, pinch, shove or hit you?
Do you;
•Constantly make excuses for their behavior?
•Try not to do anything that may upset your partner?
•Believe that if you change yourself, you will make your partner happy and less angry? •Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what your partner may do if you tried to break up?
If you know someone or suspect that someone may be in this type of relationship, it is important that you express your concerns without being critical or judgmental. Point out their strengths (many people in abusive relationships are no longer capable of having confidence) and let them know that they can come to you to talk to, or to seek help. If you are being abused and decide to get out of the relationship, it is important to tell your parents, your school counselor and the school resource officer. Never meet your abuser alone after you have decided to end the relationship or let him/her come over (this is the most dangerous time and you must be cautious). Avoid being alone at school or while walking and tell someone where you are going at all times. Obtain a restraining order if your ex-partner is threatening or stalking you.
Some phone numbers you can call for help are; Fort Hall Crisis line: 339-0438; Fort Hall Police Department: 478-4000 or 911; Bingham Crisis Center: 680-3007; Family Services Alliance: 251-4357.
Windt is a member of the Fort Hall Child Protection Team and a Victim Specialist with the FBI 208-238-5179

Growing number of grandparents raising grandchildren

IDAHO FALLS, (AP) — Ami and Jamie Faust of Idaho Falls thought their days of parenting were nearly over. With only teenage children left at home, they were on the verge of becoming empty nesters. But, in the fall, the Fausts became the temporary guardians of their 5-year-old grandson, Alex, and it will likely become a permanent situation.
“It's kind of different. You think you've got your own kids grown, and then you find yourself with a little one again,'' Ami Faust said.
The Fausts are not unique. In fact, they are among a growing number of families in eastern Idaho caring for the child of a relative, said Emily Hoyt, information director for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Idaho Falls. Currently, 120 Idaho Falls families are caring for a grandchild or another child of a relative.
Idaho is the third-fastest growing state nationwide in terms of the numbers of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Hoyt said the numbers continue to increase, particularly the category of grandparents 60 and younger.
The program, which operates as part of the state Health and Welfare Department's Area Agency on Aging, has for the past 10 years assisted families like the Fausts with financial, emotional and educational support. The program also helps families connect with others in similar situations. “This is an issue that hits every culture, every economic background,'' Hoyt said.
Recently, the program received a $10,000 Community Development Block Grant from the city. The money, Hoyt said, will be used to assist grandparents younger than 55 with Legal Aid expenses. Legal services are often costly for families as they try to gain formal guardianship of a child, particularly if the request for guardianship is contested by the child's parent.
Along with the legal services, the grandparents program offers educational workshops, monthly meetings and annual social activities.
Hoyt said it is the program's goal to reach out to more families.
Faust said she's thankful for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, which has helped with legal services and in getting Alex registered with Medicaid and into counseling.
It has also helped them adjust at home.
With older teenagers, the Fausts had become accustomed to having a flexible schedule. They could go out when they wanted and didn't have to worry about driving children here and there.
Now, it's back to coordinating schedules for day-care pick-ups and drop-offs and enforcing bedtimes, and if they want to go out, they have to secure a baby sitter.
Despite the change, the Fausts said they are glad to be able to provide Alex a loving and stable home. “I couldn't put him in foster care,'' Ami Faust said. “I do it for Alex.''