“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker
One of the greatest responsibilities we share as a community is preparing our young people for the future. As a father, I know firsthand that every parent hopes their child will grow into a confident, compassionate and responsible adult. We do everything we can to teach our children right from wrong, encourage them to make good decisions and help them navigate challenges with confidence. But raising healthy, resilient children isn’t something families should have to do alone.
It takes an entire community working together.
For more than a decade, the City of Santa Clarita has partnered with the William S. Hart Union High School District, local school districts, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County through Drug Free Youth in Santa Clarita Valley (DFY in SCV). Since its launch in 2012, the program has reached thousands of students across the Santa Clarita Valley with one simple but powerful goal: helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and life skills they need to make healthy, drug-free choices.
What makes DFY in SCV so successful is that it focuses on prevention before problems begin. Students participate in age-appropriate presentations, interactive classroom lessons and campus activities that encourage healthy decision-making, build self-confidence and teach practical skills for handling peer pressure and other real-life situations. At the junior high and high school levels, student-led prevention clubs empower young people to become leaders on their campuses and encourage their peers to make positive choices.
While schools play an important role, parents and caregivers remain the most influential voices in a child’s life. That’s why the City expanded its efforts through Parenting for Prevention, an initiative created to give families practical tools and trusted resources to help guide conversations about substance abuse, mental health and the everyday challenges facing today’s youth.
These conversations are not always easy, but they are among the most important conversations we can have.
Through bilingual social media content, parent meetings and our PSA-style video series, Parenting for Prevention connects families with local experts who share practical advice, current information and strategies that parents can use at home. The goal isn’t to have one perfect conversation—it’s to create an environment where children know they can ask questions, seek guidance and make informed decisions with the support of trusted adults.
By investing in prevention, strengthening families and working together as a community, we are helping build a future where our youth are prepared to face life’s challenges with confidence, resilience and hope.
I encourage every parent and caregiver to explore the free resources available through Parenting for Prevention. Together, we can continue creating a community where every young person has the support they need to make healthy choices and reach their full potential.
To learn more and to access bilingual resources, visit DFYinSCV.com or follow @DFYinSCV and in Spanish @CiudadDeSantaClarita on Instagram and Facebook.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
