Safer Kids

What is SAFER?
SAFER is a screening program for teens at risk for substance abuse disorders. SAFER does not provide detox, addiction treatment or long-term therapy. Rather, we assess two questions:

“Is there an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol,”

If so, “What kind of intervention and treatments are needed?”

We then work with families to direct them to the appropriate resources in the community.

What are the warning signs that a teen might have a problem?

Normal adolescence is a time of many personality changes, and issues of rebellion, privacy and even conflict are very common. They’re practically part of growing up. So, all of the following things need to be considered in context. But if a teen is displaying a great number of these, a SAFER assessment might be a good idea. *

Change in friends
Withdrawal from family activities
Decreased interest in sports and extracurricular activities
Decline in academic performance
Skipping school
Violating agreed upon curfews and limits
Lying and unsatisfactory excuses for behaviors
Inappropriate anger when confronted
Disrespect of authority
Violence
Stealing
Secretiveness
Apathy
Mood swings
Sudden increase/decrease in talkativeness
Neglect of personal hygiene, disheveled appearance
Bloodshot eyes, pinpoint pupils

*Ali S, Mouton CP, Jabeen S, Ofoemezie EK, Bailey RK, Shahid M, Zeng Q. Early detection of illicit drug use in teenagers. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011 Dec;8(12):24-8. PMID: 22247815; PMCID: PMC3257983.

What happens during a SAFER assessment?

At a SAFER appointment, Dr. Lou Hampers will conduct a thorough interview and medical evaluation. This may include:

A private, confidential interview with the teen
A physical medical examination
Confidential urine, blood and fingernail drug screening
Interviews with family, teachers and coaches

Afterwards, the family and the referring provider will receive a confidential written report. Depending upon the recommendations, Dr. Hampers will help the teen and family navigate and access the appropriate resources. *

*SAFER is an independent clinical service. We have no financial relationship with any treatment provider—we advocate for each patient based on their unique needs.

How much does a SAFER assessment cost?

There is a one-time, all-inclusive cash or credit card fee of $275. SAFER does not accept any private insurance or Medicaid.

Where do SAFER assessments take place?

SAFER works with PediaClinic to provide convenient access in the Denver metro area. When you contact us to make an appointment, we will work with you to find the nearest location.

What age range does SAFER see?

We see adolescents who have not yet reached their 18^th birthday.

How do I make an appointment for a SAFER assessment?

Email Dr. Lou Hampers

Or call Dr. Lou Hampers at 970-660-7504 (cell) and leave a voicemail

Who is Dr. Lou Hampers?

Dr. Louis Hampers is a pediatrician with over three decades of experience. He earned both MD and MBA degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wharton School, respectively.

He completed Pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He served as a Medical Officer in Charge of Pediatrics at Chogoria Hospital in Kenya.

Notable positions he has held include Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital of Colorado and Section Head of the Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. His academic research interests are wide ranging, with a special focus on language barriers and underserved populations.

Learn more about Dr. Hampers here

He has received numerous local and national awards:

“Top Doc” Pediatric Emergency Medicine (5280 Magazine)

Penn Pearls Teaching Award (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)

Outstanding Resident Physician (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Willis Wingert Best Paper (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Penn Med Scholar (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)

Best Emergency Medicine Research Award (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine)

A unique perspective on teen substance abuse:

In addition to being a pediatrician, Dr. Hampers was a prescription opiate addict himself and has been on his own recovery journey for 15 years. He has seen first-hand how untreated addiction wreaks havoc on personal and professional relationships. He is closely engaged with the rehabilitation community and 12 step programs in Colorado. He is regularly invited to speak to CU medical students about the dangers of addiction in healthcare workers.

He understands how important it is for healthcare providers to evaluate patients with compassion, empathy and without judgment.

Testimonials:

“He’s an outstanding physician. He’s done research that has affected the lives of children throughout the world.”

Linda Arnold, MD, Yale University, New Haven, CT

“Instantly we knew he was an incredible physician, very talented, very good with parents. Lou is very kind.”

Stephanie-Haley Andrews RN, Atria Management Company, Denver, CO

“He certainly didn’t have to go to Africa. For Lou it was altruistic, his sense that, “I’m highly trained, I want to give back.”

Robert Kaplan, Esq, Senior Counsel, EPA, Chicago, IL

“Teaching skills, his interest in advocacy, making a difference for children and families–across the board, he is absolutely extraordinary.”

Steven Krug MD, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL

“Lou is a very engaging and energetic individual. He always works at warp speed.”

Ethan Wiener, MD, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY

“He did the first work showing that providing interpretive services actually improves care in the pediatric ED and also reduces cost. He’s cited hundreds of times for that work.”

Elizabeth Jacobs, MD, University of Texas Medical School, Austin, TX

What is SAFER?