JADE (Juvenile Alcohol & Drug Education)
Guiding Teens
Towards Safer Futures
SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION & EDUCATION FOR TEENS AGES 12–17.
JADE helps teens in the early stages of substance use understand the consequences of their choices, build healthier coping skills, and move toward a safer future—with their parent or guardian involved every step of the way.
2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR • LIMITED-TIME FUNDING
JADE may be available at no cost to your family.
For the 2026–27 school year, JADE is free for families who live in Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, or Rancho Santa Margarita, thanks to Opioid Abatement Funds provided through the City of Mission Viejo.
Limited spots are available.
Live outside these cities? Low-cost options may still be available. Contact CYS to learn more.
Share or Print the JADE Flyer
Download a copy of the 2026–27 JADE flyer to save, print, or share with your family, school, or community.
For good kids making poor decisions.
Is JADE Right for my teen?
A teen does not have to have a substance use disorder to benefit from JADE. The program is designed to address concerns early, before experimentation or risky behavior becomes a larger problem.
JADE may be a good fit if your teen has:
✓ Been caught experimenting with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or vaping
✓ Violated a school substance-use policy
✓ Begun making concerning choices around substances
✓ Been influenced by peers or experiencing increased pressure
✓ Left you wondering, “How serious is this, and what should I do next?”
Not sure whether JADE is right for your family?
For Parents
It’s normal to have questions about sending your teen to a drug and alcohol education program.
Watch this short video to learn why parents are an important part of JADE, what teens and families can gain from participating, and why many parents who were hesitant at first are glad they attended.
Wondering whether JADE will really help?
“Going through the program with my child was a game-changer. I gained insights I never expected, and it opened our lines of communication.”
-JADE Parent
REAL TOOLS. A PATH FORWARD.
How JADE Works
1 — Attend Two Evening Classes
Teens and parents participate in two educational, interactive and intervention-focused evening sessions, scheduled one week apart.
2 — Learn & Build Skills
Throughout the process, Teens learn about the real consequences of substance use, peer pressure, decision-making, coping skills, and gain skills to make healthier choices. Parents receive information and tools to better support their teen.
3 — Individual Assessment & Next Steps
Your family participates in an individual session with a CYS professional to help identify concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
Ages: 12–17
Sessions: Two evening classes + individual session
Parent/Guardian: Participation required
Locations: Orange + San Juan Capistrano
Languages: English + Spanish
School Referral Required? No
JADE AT A GLANCE
WHAT DOES JADE COST?
For the 2026–27 school year:
Eligible families in Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita may participate at no cost while funding and spaces remain available.
Outside the funded cities?
Contact CYS. Reduced-cost options may be available.
School referrals:
If applicable, program costs may be covered through a participating school district.
JADE DETAILS & FAQ
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JADE is a two-part class and an individual session designed to educate and empower both teens and their parents, equipping them with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and choose a healthy, productive path.
The JADE program consists of a prevention and intervention class, scheduled a week apart, as well as a one-on-one assessment meeting with our professional therapists. The class is facilitated by a team of experienced therapists, drug recognition experts, and nurses, who bring their expertise to the table. Additionally, various individuals share stories about the negative impact substance abuse had on their own lives, including death of a loved one or personal physical injury.
During the class, teens will engage in interactive sessions that delve into the severe impact of substance and alcohol abuse on their lives. Our clinicians will also conduct assessments to identify any concerning behaviors that may lead to substance abuse, allowing us to intervene early and redirect teens towards a healthier future.
Importantly, the JADE program recognizes the crucial role of parents in supporting their children's well-being. Parents will leave the class with a comprehensive set of tools and resources to help guide their children through this challenging journey, fostering open communication and providing the necessary support.
At California Youth Services, we believe that early intervention and education are key to breaking the cycle of substance abuse. The JADE program is designed to empower teens and families, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and choose a path towards a healthy, fulfilling life.
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Two Evening Sessions from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Comprehensive Homework & Drug Testing (including two 12-step meetings)
One-Hour Post-Program Exit Interview
Mandatory Parent/Guardian Involvement
Available at 2 locations, Orange or San Juan Capistrano
Ages: 12-17 (Ages 18-19 if still in High School
Spanish translation available
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The JADE program is designed for teens aged 12-17 and their parents or legal guardians. While the majority of JADE participants are referred by schools due to violations of their district's substance abuse policies, it is not mandatory to be referred by a school.
Many parents feel alone and need help after suspecting their child might be using or perhaps they were caught experimenting. We welcome these parents to contact our office for support and enroll in the JADE program right away.
The program aims to provide a supportive environment for both teens and their families to address substance abuse issues and develop healthy coping strategies. Participation of a parent or legal guardian is mandatory, as we believe that family involvement is crucial for the success of the program.
If you are interested in the JADE program or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to support you and your family during this challenging time.
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Once you click the ENROLL NOW button below, you'll be directed to a form to fill out. After submitting the form, one of our CYS administrators will contact you Monday through Friday during business hours to schedule your class.
If you have any questions or need additional assistance, feel free to call our office at (949) 303-9016. Someone will be available to help you.
We look forward to working with you!
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At California Youth Services, we strive to make our JADE program accessible to all families. The actual cost to run the program is $700 per teen and their parent. However, thanks to the generous support of grants, fundraisers, and donations, we are able to subsidize this cost by allowing us to offer the class for less.
For the 2026-2027 school year, if you live in Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, or Rancho Santa Margarita, the class is free due to the limited funding available through the city of Mission Viejo.
We understand that a fee to attend may be prohibitive for some families. In such cases, we are happy to work with you to explore payment schedules or reduced rates if you can demonstrate a financial hardship. Additionally, for school district referrals, there is no cost to the family, as the school district covers the full cost of the program.
Our goal is to ensure that every teen and their parent who can benefit from the JADE program has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation. If you have any questions or concerns about the cost, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
“Before we went to JADE we did not know the extent of our daughter’s drug use. The counselors at JADE were able to discern what was really going on with our child and, based on those facts, made helpful recommendations for our family.”