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Prevention of Problem Gambling
June 1998, Vol I, Issue 2

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH YOUTH

The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling has launched a statewide effort to build the capacity of professionals and systems that work with youth and young adults. An initial focus has been to offer ninety-minute to three-hour training events to high schools, colleges, and agencies throughout the state.

A curriculum has been developed that covers such areas as prevention, intervention, prevalence, and available resources. Concurrently, a cadre of trainers has been assembled and trained. They will be matched with a school or agency to tailor and deliver the training. An estimated 40 training events will occur by June, 1998.

Building the capacity of professionals who work in human services in other arenas allows for a wider web of support for both prevention and intervention activities regarding problem gambling. This can be followed by additional training and capacity building of those professionals most likely to serve in a helping role to those at risk for problem gambling.