Q & A with Cynthia Muir – City of SCV’s Supervisor for Drug-Free Youth

What is your role with the City?
As the Supervisor for the DFY in SCV (Drug-Free Youth in Santa Clarita Valley) program, I work closely with our local elementary, junior high, and high schools to equip students with the tools they need to resist drugs and navigate the many pressures they face every day. Our mission goes beyond just the students—we’re also here to help parents understand the real risks of substance use, offering them the guidance they need to have meaningful conversations with their kids and build strategies for their overall well-being. Whether it’s being offered a vape in a school bathroom, dealing with the peer pressure of growing up in the social media age, or facing the life-threatening danger of fentanyl, we want our kids to be prepared and our parents to feel empowered to protect them.
What impact does your day to day job have on the Santa Clarita community?
In my role, I focus on empowering young people to make informed choices about the risks and consequences of substance use. We teach them critical life skills like decision-making, critical thinking, and how to say no when faced with tough situations. I also work to educate parents, keeping them informed about the latest substance abuse trends and the dangers their kids may face, while offering tips to improve communication and build trust, ultimately strengthening family bonds. Together, we’re creating a safer, healthier environment in Santa Clarita, where both students and families are equipped to live drug-free lives.
What is the new Parenting for Prevention program?
Parenting for Prevention provides a wealth of resources, expert advice and community support to help parents confidently raise drug-free youth. The initiative includes a bilingual podcast where local experts discuss teen drug abuse. This new format allows parents to access this crucial information, on their own schedule. If parents prefer an in person setting, there will also be two parent meetings where drug prevention experts share practical tools and tips—everything from recognizing the signs of drug and alcohol use to having open conversations with your kids about drugs, setting boundaries and building healthy habits together. Please check out our Instagram at @DFYinSCV or @DFYinSCV/parents—your go-to for podcasts, upcoming parent meetings, drug information, mental health resources and much more.
If you could give one message to parents who are concerned about their kids experimenting with drugs, what would it be?
The most important thing you can do is stay involved in your child’s life and create a space for open, judgment-free conversations. Approach the topic calmly and with understanding, so they know they can always come to you. Educate yourself, talk openly about the dangers of drugs, listen to their concerns and set clear expectations. Your ongoing support will empower your child to come to you with questions and help them make informed, healthy decisions. Stay engaged—your presence and guidance are key to their well-being.

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