A Unified Message for Prom and Graduation Parties -

CACY and the Richland County Prevention Partnership were recently awarded a Drug Free Action Alliance Parents Who Host, Lose the Most mini-grant.  The grant will be used for marketing purposes in April and May during prom and graduation time in Richland County.  The campaign encourages parents and the community to send a unified message at prom and graduation time that teen alcohol consumption is not acceptable. 

Hosting a prom or graduation party where alcohol is available to underage youth is illegal and can pose serious health risks and legal ramifications for everyone involved.  Parents should understand that taking away the car keys does not solve all of the problems related to underage drinking. 

Parents who knowingly allow a person (other than their own children) under age 21 to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and face a jail sentence, fines and/or loss of property. 

Adults providing alcohol to underage youth send a mixed message and can only add to a teenager’s confusion about the acceptability of drinking.  They are also sending the message to teens that they do not have to obey the law.  Research shows that most teenagers appreciate it when their parents set boundaries and establish expectations that are fairly enforced.  Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused.  Let’s be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.

Our Parent's Who Host Survey will be inserted in the May 2010 Safe Homes Newsletter.

Teens Can Party Without Alcohol

Community Action for Capable Youth (CACY)

1495 W. Longview Ave, Suite 104

Mansfield, OH 44906

Contact: Joanna Riffle

419-774-5683

www.cacyohio.com