Parents across Leelanau County will have access to a unique educational tool later this fall: a trailer furnished by the Michigan State Police to help spot the signs of substance abuse in teens.

Community Service Trooper David Prichard of the Michigan State Police 7th District/Cadillac Post brought the trailer to the Leelanau County Government Center campus last Friday for the regular monthly meeting of the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (SAPC).

The trailer offers parents an insider’s look into their teenager’s bedrooms.

Leelanau County Administrator Chet Janik tells the Leelanau Ticker that members of the SAPC committee — which is comprised of government officials, members of the medical and law enforcement communities and County residents — were able to do a walk-through Friday, and it was “very informative and educational.” Prichard explains that the “Hidden In Plain Sight” trailer is outfitted to look like a typical middle school or high school student’s room, but with everyday items that may seem innocuous to a parent yet should trigger concern that their child is struggling with drug or substance abuse.

He says, “When parents go through it, they often say, ‘I didn’t realize this clue was right in front of me.’ The education gained from touring the trailer helps the dialogue to start between the kid and their parents or grandparents.”

Both Janik and Prichard say the Michigan State Police Cadillac Post and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition hope to network this fall with Leelanau-area schools, the Tribe and parent groups to facilitate tours.

“Have trailer, will travel…” says Prichard.