By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
The Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County is offering a relatively new interactive presentation that is intended to help parents and caregivers identify potential indicators of drug and alcohol abuse in their homes, as well as mental illness. Called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” the evidence-based program is housed in a 16-foot trailer that has been outfitted as a teenager’s bedroom. Only adults may enter to potentially discover items and paraphernalia that have been hidden.
“Some sheriff’s offices in Florida have outfitted trailers similarly, which is where we got the idea,” said Sue Ellen Jackson, Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County’s executive director. “Kids are dying from fentanyl and kids are being kidnapped for sex trafficking … right here in St. Johns County. We want to educate parents and caregivers and encourage them to give themselves permission to enter their kids’ bedrooms. We want them to feel comfortable knowing they’re being good parents.”
Jackson said that when adults go inside the trailer, they are encouraged to open drawers, look under the bed, and check out the trash can. Literature available at the exhibit explains things to look out for.
“We work closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the public health department and school resource officers to stay on top of trends,” Jackson said. “For instance, something that looks innocent, like a bottle of suntan lotion, could be a stash. If you see a lot of used Band-Aids in your child’s room, it could be an indication that they are cutting themselves. This is a mental health concern. A large amount of cash that you didn’t give your child could be a sign of sex trafficking.”
Steve DeKorte is the Hidden in Plain Sight program specialist. Now a grandfather, Jackson said he is passionate about this program and wants his grandchildren to make healthy and informed decisions. Jackson said DeKorte is often at the trailer when it is on location, talking to attendees and helping with debriefing after the adults have viewed the mock bedroom.
Jackson said since the program is only about six months old, they are still trying to get the word out. The Hidden in Plain Sight trailer is available to be parked in front of local businesses or schools. Jackson said they will make presentations at clubs, churches, adult events and meetings. Interested parties should contact the Prevention Coalition via their website (https://preventioncoalitionofstjohnscounty.com) to schedule a booking.
The Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County is a small agency that Jackson said is growing rapidly due to increased need. It focuses mainly on youth and seniors. It is designed for primary prevention and outreach only, but partners with secondary and tertiary agencies like Betty Griffin Center if needed.
Jackson stressed that the Prevention Coalition’s mission is to nurture, educate and encourage — not to judge.
“We need to love each other and be educated,” she said. “We hope that this exhibition will go a long way towards educating the community.”
Photo courtesy Sue Ellen Jackson
Steve DeKorte debriefing adults after their visit to the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer.
