PACT, a unique initiative which aims to combat risky behaviour in children, will see one community offering free parenting skills workshops to its residents.

The offer is being driven by the children themselves. The Bermuda Student Youth Survey, conducted by the National Drug Commission (NDC) in 2003, identified high-risk and low-protective factors for kids in each of the island's nine parishes.

As a result of the findings of that survey, residents in Hamilton Parish agreed to pilot the system, PACT (Parishes Achieving Change Together), and are now working to build community spirit and set up programmes that will aid youth development.

Their most recent effort is a series of workshops planned for parents of primary and middle school-aged children next month, each conducted by a skilled counsellor.

On hand to lend support will be three professionals ? Amanda Marshall, Tanya Tucker Simmons and Terrilynn Richards. Discussions will advise parents on how to cope with defiance and their child's need for independence and also show them how to handle sex and drugs talks with kids.

As explained by committee member Mary Winchell, the aim of the workshops, and all of the initiatives spearheaded in Hamilton Parish by PACT, is "that all young people grow up in an environment of respect and honesty, nurtured by their families, schools and the community to become positive, healthy, contributing adults.

"What I think we have to stress is that parenting is the most important job anyone can do and no one gets training. Each of the counsellors who have agreed to participate is trained in effective parenting and what we're offering parents is a chance to discuss those things they need help with."

PACT was formed in 2002 after a group of Bailey's Bay residents contacted Martha Dismont of the Family Learning Centre and Kim Jackson of the NDC with various concerns. The NDC conducted its survey the following year, identifying risk and protective factors specific to the Hamilton Parish area.

Risks were defined as conditions which increased the likelihood of children becoming involved in problem behaviour, while protective factors detailed healthy beliefs and standards which kept kids from being exposed to risk.

Four areas of priority were identified as risk factors for Hamilton Parish ? community disorganisation, community laws and norms favourable towards drug use, firearms and crime, transitions and mobility and academic failure beginning in late elementary school.

Youths identified three protective factors ? community reward for pro-social involvement, family attachment and family opportunities for pro-social involvement.

"We took the results of the youth survey that was done in 2003 by PACT and looked at the priorities for our parish," Mrs. Winchell said.

Several programmes have been put in place as a result including a volunteer-run literacy programme at Francis Patton School.

"Through a series of meetings, consultants will discuss the roles, functions, participation and effects of parents, caregivers and members of the community on the education of our children. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to exchange information, discuss concerns, examine new research and establish partnerships with relevant organisations.

"We're trying to put programmes in place that can help and as part of that we're looking at parenting ? how the community deals with homework. How we can support learning. How we can strengthen families. If parents improve their skills it helps improve bonding between families. It helps to keep children away from drugs and other risky behaviour."