For the past several weeks, Family Centers’ licensed clinical social worker, Danielle Sieckhaus has assisted The Darien Coalition to Address At-Risk Behaviors (DCAARB or commonly known as the Darien Coalition) in the planning of its kick-off event, “Under the Influence: True Stories of Underage Drinking,” a community education event to raise awareness about underage drinking in Darien on Wednesday, December 1^st from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Darien Community Association at 274 Middlesex Road in Darien.  This free event is open to the public and is designed to educate middle and high school students along with their parents about the health, personal and family, as well as legal implications of underage drinking. 

According to Sieckhaus, this kick-off event will feature a three-act performance by Darien High School students, directed by Barry Halpin of LMG, one of the agencies represented on the Darien Coalition/DCAARB. Halpin’s dramatic role plays provide scenarios with real life consequences of underage drinking, all of which prompt discussion and open dialogue with members of the audience.  John Hamilton of LMG will moderate audience participation and discussion. There will be multiple experts in the audience to address concerns regarding college admissions, legal matters and teen relationships and sexuality. The Darien High School Weekend Alternative Group will also be on hand to share its insights and experiences with parents and their children. 

“Under the Influence: True Stories of Underage Drinking” will be used as a springboard to host other events and gatherings in the community where both parents and teens can begin to share their thoughts and express their concerns about underage drinking.  Fairfield County teens are 20% more likely than the national average to abuse alcohol. According to the Darien Police Department, 21 juveniles were arrested for DWI from January through October this year.  Studies indicate that the main reasons that kids use and abuse substances (including alcohol) is because they feel stressed, bored and have extra spending money. The December 1^st event at the DCA will allow parents and students to discuss these facts and issues and provide an opportunity to build their own networks of concern and care. 

DCAARB was formed last spring when several community organizations saw an increased trend in the use of over-the-counter medications among Darien’s youth.  DCAARB is a coalition of community and governmental agencies along with the Darien Public Schools whose mission is to provide prevention education and intervention tools to teens and parents to address risky behaviors. This year’s focus is on community awareness and education about the impact of underage drinking. “Under the Influence: True Stories of Underage Drinking” is supported by a grant from the Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council. 

In addition to Family Centers, The Darien Coalition/DCAARB consists of the following organizations: Child Guidance Center, Darien Father’s Forum, Darien High School, Darien Police Department, Darien Social Services, Darien United Way, Darien Youth Commission, LMG Programs/Darien Youth Options, Middlesex Middle School, Noroton Presbyterian Church, Office of the Selectwoman, Parent Awareness Network of the YWCA and The Depot.  For additional information about the Darien Coalition or the Under the Influence event, please contact Danielle Sieckhaus at Family Centers at 324-3167 or Meaghan Gorman at LMG at 655-8973.

Danielle Sieckhaus, LCSW counsels children and families and serves as a member of the Darien Coalition for At-Risk Behaviors. With a Masters in Social Work and a postgraduate certificate in alcohol and drug-abuse counseling and treatment, Danielle has several years of experience helping people overcome addiction problems and improve their personal well-being

For additional information about Family Centers’ programs for children and families, contact Danielle Sieckhaus at 203-324-3167 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .