Westlake to host 'Hidden in Plain Sight' awareness program on Oct. 20

The Oct. 20 parent awareness program uses a typical teenager's bedroom set to illustrate the hidden signals that a young person is involved in risky activity.

Looks can be deceiving.

That’s the message behind a unique traveling exhibit created by the Bath and Copley Township police departments. “Hidden in Plain Sight” is a preventative awareness program to support parents, caregivers and other responsible adults in keeping kids safe from violence, eating disorders, substance use and other risky behaviors.

The departments constructed the bedroom of the average teenager. Amid the clutter of clothing scattered on the floor, school supplies on a desk and personal care products on a vanity are more than 150 items that could actually be signals that a young person could be involved in risky, dangerous or even illegal activity.

The Westlake Police Department, Westlake City Schools and the Westlake Council of PTAs will be hosting “Hidden in Plain Sight” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Parkside, 24525 Hilliard Blvd. The event is interactive with a walkthrough preview starting at 6 p.m. and an informative presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the materials presented, the exhibit is open to adults only. Admission is free. Free on-site childcare for children ages 3-12 will be available.

For more information contact Scott Fortkamp, Westlake Police Department school resource officer, 440-250-1032; or Ann Beyer, Westlake Council of PTAs, 440-835-5623.