Circle of Concern Consortium began in 1995 as a grassroots group of concerned parents, counselors, and educators from independent and parochial schools in the Denver metro area. In order to address issues surrounding substance use and abuse by students in the community, the group developed a pledge to be used as a tool to create a heightened level of awareness of the challenges faced by parents. The parent pledge was accompanied by excerpts of applicable laws and other pertinent information regarding substance use. The writing of the pledge and its acceptance by the community resulted in a realization by the group that a need existed for a compilation of information, strategies and resources for parents.

CCC publishes A Parents' Guide
A Parents’ Guide to Substance Abuse Prevention was first published by the group in 1996. The Guide has since been revised and expanded to provide more in-depth information about specific drugs and their consequences and about communication and parenting strategies. Reflection questions for parents regarding their own beliefs and values and the messages they give their children about alcohol and other drugs are also included. Inspired by the community’s enthusiasm for the Guide, Circle of Concern Consortium was more formally organized and in 1996 began holding community-wide meetings to promote education and networking among parents and educators regarding pertinent child development issues, especially substance abuse.

The Consortium continues to grow
In January, 2001, Circle of Concern Consortium was incorporated as a Colorado not-for-profit corporation and in September, 2001, was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Consortium meets monthly during the school year in the Denver metro area and continues to attract new schools and members of the community to its informative meetings and activities.