The Risky Business Prevention Conference is held yearly to increase awareness regarding risks that are a concern for youth in Carroll County. Through the Conference, we hope to share practical information on the prevention of risky behaviors and ways to model healthy behaviors; resources to help encourage children/youth to practice healthy behavior; and provide support through networking for those that work with Carroll County youth.

Our audience consists of approximately 150-170 professionals from the following fields:
Mental Health, Carroll County Public Schools (health teachers, guidance counselors, nurses), Private Schools, Substance Abuse / Treatment and Prevention Professionals, Carroll Hospital Center staff, Health Department staff, Law Enforcement, Judicial Agencies, Rape Crisis Staff and Human Service Program Professionals, parents and anyone who works with youth.

To register for this year's Conference, see "Related Links," below.

A Look Back...What We Have Covered

Risky Business, A Prevention Conference on AIDS, Teen Pregnancy, Tobacco and Substance Abuse, June 11, 1997. Keynote speaker: Cheryl Alexander, RN, PhD, The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, “Adolescents Risk Taking Behaviors” and breakout sessions.

Risky Business 2, A Prevention Conference on AIDS Teen Pregnancy, Tobacco, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues, June 10, 1998. Keynote speaker: James F. Dasinger, Ed. D., “Winning Behaviors in a Sometimes Wacky World” and breakout sessions.

Risky Business 3, Preserving Healthy Youth in Our Community, June 8, 1999. Keynote speaker: Andy Steed, Role Play Foundation, “Awakening the Hero Within” and breakout sessions.

Risky Business 2000, Building Healthy Youth in Our Community, June 14, 2000. Keynote speaker: Tim Duffey, M.Ed., Search Institute, “Creating Healthier Communities for Children and Adolescents: Strategies for Success" and breakout sessions.

5th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, “Positive Strategies for the new Millennium – June 13, 2001. Keynote speaker: Margaret A. McCraw, LCSW-C, MBA, “Taking Charge of Your Future” and breakout sessions.

6th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, “Teen Trends Today” - June 11, 2002. Keynote speaker: Dr. Carol A. Fritz, Western Maryland College, “A Coaches View of Team Building” and breakout sessions.

7th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, “10 seconds Can Change your Life: Discover the Power of One Decision”, June 24, 2003. Keynote speaker: Bobby Petrocelli, “Triumph Over Tragedy” and breakout sessions.

8th Annual Risky Business Conference, “Finding Your balance: Work Smarter, Not harder”, June 25, 2004, Presenter: Andrew Steed, Role Play Foundation.

9th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, “Getting the Pulse on Family Dynamics: A Recipe for a Healthier Family”, June 21, 2005. Speakers: Dr. Mary Anne Reichelt, McDaniel College – “Family Dynamics”; Monique Mitchell Turner, Ph.D., University of Maryland – “Risk Communication: Strategies to Encourage Health(ier) Behaviors”; Mr. Gary Honeman, Carroll County Youth Service Bureau, Inc. - “Teen Suicide and Self-Mutilation in Carroll County.”

10th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, “Riding the Wave of Change”, June 20, 2006. Speakers: Kathie Durbin, MD Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates – “Adult Hosting Responsibility: Changing the Culture and Raising Awareness in Our Community”; Stephanie VanDeusen, Ph.D. – “Bullying and Self-Injury”; Carroll Hospital Center ENCARE Nurses, Panel – “Self-Injury and Underage Drinking in Carroll County."

11th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference, "Road Map to Protecting Our Youth” – June 19, 2007. Speakers: Wayne Moffatt, Retired Maryland State Police -“Sex Offenses & Child Abuse ….What is the Law?”; Linda Auerback, Junction – “Stress/Anger Management”; Barbara White, Carroll County Health Department – Cigarette Restitution Fund Program.