PRESQUE ISLE — The University of Maine at Presque Isle will offer a five-week course, “Preparing for the Drug-Free Years,” beginning Tuesday, April 6.

Workshops will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the Allagash Room at the University Campus Center.

The program is for parents of children in grades four through eight. The sessions will cover five main areas: how to prevent drug use in the family; developing a family position on drugs; avoiding trouble; refusal skills; managing family conflict; and strengthening family bonds.

The program was developed by Drs. J. David Hawkins and Richard F. Catelano of the University of Washington. It is based on research from Developmental Research Programs of Seattle, which has identified the risk factors associated with teen-age drug abuse and the protective factors which can help teen-agers develop into healthy adults.

Program instructor Ethelle G. Ames has a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Maine, Orono, and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from UMPI. She participated in advanced clinical training, and maintains a private clinical practice. Ames is a certified course trainer and is assisted by co-trainer, Reginald Ames.

A registration fee will be charged. Information is available by contacting Mary Lawrence or Shelli Lunney at UMPI or the UMPI continuing education office.