Illinois Web site aims to help families

As part of a program that seeks to help parents overcome problems facing

children today, Illinois launched an Internet site that families can use

as a resource to handle those issues.

The Futures for Kids program launched its site (www.futures4kids.org) as

a resource for how to approach subjects such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs,

juvenile delinquency and school success. Information is provided for both

parents and children.

The site is divided into three sections to tackle these issues: "Healthy

Futures" provides information on topics like nutrition, finding a doctor

and paying for health care. "Safe Futures" provides information about child-proofing

your home, how to deal with strangers and violent situations. "Bright Futures"

provides ideas for keeping children in school and building self-esteem.

"We hope parents start talking to their kids on some of these issues and

begin to use it as a resource," said Cathy Leonis-Muno, the program director.

Each section also provides links to other sites where a parent can find

medical, safety and education assistance. It also includes information on

the Governor's Teen Summit, when 100 teens from throughout the state gathered

in May to discuss drug prevention.

The Futures for Kids program is run out of First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan's office.