For Kids & Teens...
One of the biggest mistakes children and teenagers make is not seeking help when they're in trouble. It may feel like your situation is too awful, embarrassing or hopeless, but everyone goes through tough times. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Seeking help when you need it is a very adult thing to do.
If you're in a bad situation, there is always someone you can turn to. Here are some suggestions. We hope that one of these options will feel right for you and your situation.- Parent
- Other Relative
- Trusted Adult
- Teacher
- School Counselor
- Police Officer (9-1-1 or 650/903-6395)
- EMQ Crisis Hotline (24x7): 408/379-9085. More choices at right.
Find more suggestions in Community Resources.
Don't be afraid of the police. MVPD officers are willing to listen and eager to help kids. Even if you've committed a crime, we're ready to listen and try to help you achieve the best possible future. If you don't want to talk to us, please talk to someone.
For Parents, Guardians & Others Who Care...
In modern life there are a myriad of ways for kids to get in trouble. Gangs, vandalism, theft, weapons and drugs or alcohol abuse and carelessness on the internet are just a few of the problems that keep parents awake at night.
Plenty of good kids run into problems and need a little help. Because there are not always clear warning signs that a child is in trouble, it's important for parents to develop a relationship with their children such that children feel able to talk freely about what is happening in their lives. A continuous and open dialogue offers the best chance that parents will have an opportunity to intervene before a child develops a substance abuse problem, joins a gang, or is harmed.
Nothing is more important to MVPD than our kids. When we enforce laws violated by children, we emphasize doing what's right for both society and the child. It's important to give children as many chances as possible to turn their lives around. We're eager to help as much as we can. Please don't hesitate to contact us, if we can be of assistance. There are school and community resources to help you and your child. Contact us if you need help identifying the right resource for your child's situation.
Programs for Kids
MVPD sponsors several programs for children who are at risk of turnings to gangs, drugs or illegal activities. Dreams & Futures is an award winning program for at-risk children. Read about our other programs for kids.
Our School Resource Officers (SROs) spend time at all Mountain View schools, public and private. They serve as mentors, counselors, or someone for kids to talk to. |  | Hotlines for Kids & Teens
General 24x7 Hotlines
EMQ 408/379-9085
Teen Crisis 888/247-7717
See also Kids in Crisis. Resources Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) 650/965-2020 Drugs & Alcohol
Alateen 888/4AL-ANON
Drugs 650/579-0353 New Outlooks Program (CHAC) 650/965-2020 x40
Sexual Orientation
Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender Youth
800/246-7743
Billy de Frank Center
408/293-4525
Outlet Program (CHAC)
650/965-2020 x22
Risky Behaviors
Research at the National Institutes of Health indicates that the part of the brain that discourages risky behavior is still developing until an individual's mid 20s. This may explain why teenagers and young adults are so vulnerable to addiction, reckless driving, criminal activities, and other high-risk behaviors.
School Resource Officers
Ron Cooper
650/903-6712
Katherine Comesana
650/903-6387
More Police Contacts |
