Since 1995 CARS staff and consultants have frequently facilitated and provided staff support for policy workgroups. Most recently, CARS has facilitated all deliberations of the California Governor’s Prevention Advisory Council (GPAC), an interagency workgroup that oversees prevention efforts in the state of California. Specifically, CARS facilitated the following committees, workgroups and activities:

California Binge Drinking Strategic Plan

A two year planning process culminating in a comprehensive Strategic Plan and Implementation Guide. CARS prepared a website on adolescent binge drinking, the first in the nation.

High Rate Underage Users Workgroup

CARS prepared five background papers on adolescent high rate user profiles and potential prevention services. This subcommittee identified Student Assistance Programs (SAPs) as a core intervention that should be promoted for this high-risk, indicated population. CARS assembled a toolkit on SAPs to be sent to the 5,000 school districts in California. The committee continues to meet to review SAP implementation progress. A separate SAP website is under construction.

Underage Drinking

CARS facilitates the GPAC committee and produced a toolkit on adolescent drinking for parents. This toolkit has been adapted by four California state agencies and is currently on multiple websites, such as the California Alcohol and Drug Programs Resource Center website.

Methamphetamine Implementation Workgroup –Phase I and Phase II

CARS facilitated GPAC’s Phase I Methamphetamine Implementation Workgroup and prepared a report to council on options to combat methamphetamine use. In the Phase II Implementation, CARS is developing a resource guidebook to assist local coalitions develop strategies to prevent and reduce methamphetamine use. A meth-dedicated website on is under construction.