WHAT ARE SAFE HOMES?

Parents agree that we will cooperate with schools, law enforcement and young people to create a healthy atmosphere in which the use of alcohol and other drugs is no longer the "norm." As a SAFE HOMES parent, you are taking a stand against the alarming increase in alcohol and drug use among our youth.

WHAT ARE FAMILY GUIDELINES?

Inform your children that you have taken the SAFE HOMES Pledge and discuss it with them. Know where your children are. Assure them that they can telephone you to be picked up whenever they find themselves in a situation that is uncomfortable or threatening. Get to know your children's friends and their parents. Be awake or awakened when young people come home at night.

When your child is invited to an activity, call the person and verify the location and occasion. Check on adult supervision and be sure there will be no drugs or alcohol available. If the activity seems inappropriate for your child's age group, express your concerns. Keep your child home and seek alternative activities. Let your friends and neighbors know if you're planning to be away.

WHAT IS YOUR LIABILITY?

Many times parties are spur-of-the-moment occurrences when parents are not home. Frequently, alcohol and other drugs are used at these parties and youth may get drunk or high. Houses may be damaged, violence and even death can occur. Case law exists that establishes liability with you in such situations whether you are home or not.

• Drinking under the age of 21 is against the law.
   
• Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense.
   
• Alcohol and other drug use cause injury, loss of inhibition, sexual abuse, illness and even death.
   
• Serving a minor is a criminal offense and adults are potentially liable for negative consequences.

Parents may be sued for damages and injuries caused by the underage individuals they serve. In other words, YOU MAY BE SUED FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND ACCIDENTS. The adult is held responsible, NOT the underage drinker.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• When adults join together and take a united stand against alcohol and other drugs, they become more effective than when they act separately.
   
• Parents benefit from the support of other parents by helping each other resist pressure from others who do not set limits on their children's behavior.
   
• Parents are reassured when their kids attend parties at a SAFE HOMES location.
   
• SAFE HOMES members have access to a SAFE HOMES Directory listing families who support this program.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HOST?

• Be a visible host/hostess. Tell the guests who choose to leave the activity that they may not return.
   
• Encourage "by invitation only" gatherings. Use a guest list and refuse entrance to any party crashers.
   
• Call the parents of anyone possessing drugs or alcohol or appearing to be under the influence of either.
   
• Call the appropriate law enforcement, if necessary. Do not allow anyone under the influence to go home alone or drive.