Illinois Web site aims to help families

As part of a program that seeks to help parents overcome problems facing children, Illinois launched an Internet site that families can use as a resource.

The Futures for Kids program launched its site as a resource on subjects such as drugs, juvenile delinquency and school success. Information is provided for both parents and children. The site is divided into three sections: "Healthy Futures" provides information on topics such as nutrition, finding a doctor and paying for health care. "Safe Futures" provides information about childproofing your home and how to deal with strangers and violent situations. "Bright Futures" provides ways to keep children in school and build self-esteem.

"We hope parents start talking to their kids on some of these issues and begin to use [the site] as a resource," said Cathy Leonis-Muno, program director.

Each section has links to sites where parents can find medical, safety and education assistance. The site also has information on the Governor's Teen Summit, where 100 Illinois teens gathered in May to discuss drug prevention. The program is run from the office of First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan.