Expert Perspective on Troubled Youth

Pacific Lodge Youth Services will host a gathering of experts Thursday to raise community awareness about the problems confronting troubled youngsters.

The symposium, titled “Youth at Risk--Creating Solutions,” is open to the public.

The four speakers will offer a variety of perspectives on helping troubled youngsters. They are Mark Weiss, juvenile court commissioner; LAPD Capt. Stu Maislin, juvenile group commanding officer; Michael Peck, a psychologist who counsels troubled children; and Dr. Eugene Kuhl, a pediatrician who specializes in the biological effects of abuse.

Songwriter and actor Paul Williams, who received an award from Pacific Lodge for his work combating substance abuse and serves on the facility’s advisory council, will moderate the event.

Pacific Lodge, which is government-funded, counsels and tries to rehabilitate about 180 13- to 18-year-old boys each year.

Thursday’s event begins at 6 p.m. on the 10-acre grounds of the boys’ home at 4900 Serrania Ave. in Woodland Hills.

“We are hoping to leave people with the idea that people are trying to find positive solutions to the problems out there,” said Dave Genders, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Lodge.

For further information or reservations, call (818) 347-1577, Ext. 116.