The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are pleased to announce that their publication, "Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention," has received a 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). The NAGC announced the winners at the Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Reception held during the 2018 NAGC Communications School in Fort Myers, Florida. This annual international awards program recognizes superior government communication products and those who produce them. The federal team that helped produce the award-winning publication includes Richard Lucey (DOJ/DEA), Norris Dickard (ED/OESE), Denise Otts (DOJ/DEA) and Jacquelyn Zimmermann (ED/OCO).

The DEA and ED updated this booklet to help parents and other caregivers raise drug-free children. This publication provides parents and other caregivers current information on substance use among youth. The booklet provides descriptions of substances young people use; suggestions for how to talk to youth about drugs, regardless of their age; and tips on what to do if they suspect their children are using drugs.

"Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention" is available at no charge to download and is also available in print at ED Pubs. Additional information is available at DEA's website for parents, educators and caregivers. Parents and schools may also request printed copies of the publication by contacting their local DEA Community Outreach Coordinator, who can be found on DEA's website here. The U.S. Department of Education also provides information for students, teachers, parents and guardians on combating the opioid crisis here.