Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office look to curb youth drug use in schools with new program

In an effort to prevent school age youth from entering the dangerous world of drugs, the Monmouth County Sheriffs Office hosted a 'Reach for Your Dreams' program last week.

The department's goal is to install the program in schools across the county where members of the RFYD program will share their personal experiences and struggles of battling the demons of drug, alcohol and violence.

Sheriff Shaun Golden said, "Prevention through drug education is the only way our kids have a chance to survive today's drug culture and Reach Their Dreams".

Members of the RFYD Dream Team included Brookdale Community College Police Department's Sgt. Risheem Whitten, and residents Angela V. who is a recovering addict, and Debi Heptig whose daughter overdosed on drugs.

"It's crucial that this program be implemented throughout our schools, especially when heroin, opiates and alcohol made up 78% of all substance abuse treatment admissions in Monmouth County in 2013," said Golden. "The safety of our youths must remain a priority."

Monmouth County Correctional Institution retired investigator Selma Morris who serves as the County Sheriff's Office RFYD Coordinator helped screen each speaker before the event along with other school and law enforcement personel.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky started the program in 2004, and the program came to Monmouth County the next year where the Sheriff's Office put the program in place.

RYFD was more recently re-created by the Sheriff's office.