Homes That Make A Difference
A Guide for Jamestown and North Kingstown Parents
on How to Offer Our Children a Safe and Supportive
Substance Free Environment
Project Statement
All parents are concerned about the alarming increase in tobacco, alcohol and
drug use among our children as well as the social acceptability of this use.
Children need to be able to feel that it is "OK" not to participate in
tobacco, alcohol and drug related activities. Adolescence is a time of
testing limits. It's a difficult time for parents as well. Parents need to
know that they are not alone when they take a stand against cigarette,
alcohol and drug use. One way to do this is becoming involved with the
Homes That Make A Difference Project and signing the
Parent Promise.
Why Do We Need This Program?
Tobacco, alcohol and drug use by our children is a problem in Jamestown and
North Kingstown. We have seen the results of the SALT Survey. We hear this
from every responsible support group.
Facts About Substance Abuse in Children
There are a lot of peer pressures on children to try cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
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* In Rhode Island, the average age a child has his or her first alcoholic drink is 12.5 years old.
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1/3 of our nations youth are considered problem drinkers. Adolescents become
chemically dependent in only 5 months with overuse of alcohol. In contrast,
chemical dependence in adults can take 3 to 5 years.
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** In 1999, 2125 U.S. teens aged 16-20 died in alcohol related incidents.
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*** In a Michigan study, 21 percent of eighth graders will have an alcoholic
drink in a 30 day period. 49 percent of 12th graders will have a drink in a 30
day period. (Source: * RI SALT Survey 2000, ** MADD Statistics and *** Infofax 2001.)
Legal Aspects
In the state of Rhode Island, drinking under the age of 21 is against the law.
Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense. Use or possession of illicit
drugs in a criminal offense. Any person who delivers, sells, or gives alcohol
to a minor is subject to a fine or imprisonment under the law. If you serve
minor children other than your own in your home, you are responsible and can
be held liable for that action and any resulting problem. You are responsible
for any illegal behavior of your minor children regardless of whether or not
they have used drugs or alcohol.
Why Participate?
In Jamestown and North Kingstown, many parties are spur of the moment
occurrences when parents are not at home. Children may bring cigarettes,
alcohol and illegal drugs to friends' houses. When they drink or take drugs
the situation can get quickly out of control. Homes can be damaged and
children can get hurt. When teens drink and drive, tragedy can occur.
Unsupervised spontaneous parties do happen here. The "Homes" Project
is an effort to empower parents to network together to offer a safe
environment for their children while providing some much needed peer support
for parents.
Who Should Participate?
All Jamestown and North Kingstown parents with children in pre-kindergarten
through twelfth grade are asked to participate in this program. Parents
should educate themselves with current tobacco, alcohol and drug information.
The earlier parents discuss these facts with their children, the more likely a
problem will be averted. We hope to have 100% of the parents signed up by the
time their children enter high school. We want our children to understand
that we, as parents, are taking the initiative to deal with the problems of
substance abuse by our children.
Parental Peer Support
As a "Homes" parent you will have the support of many parents ready to
"stand up and be counted on" for responsible parenting. You won't be the
"only parent" to ask the who, what, when where and what time
questions all children hate their parents to ask. When you call another
"Homes" parent, your questions will be met with understanding and
support.
Family Communication
Family communication is one of the most important aspects of the "Homes"
Project. Fun does not have to mean tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs. Inform
your children that you have joined the "Homes" Project and discuss it
with them. Get to know the friends of your teenagers and their parents. Know
what their friends' parent believe about cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drugs.
Know where your children are and let them know where you are. Establish
curfews. Be awake or awakened by a check-in hug when your teens come
home at night.
When your children are invited to a party or activity, call the person in
charge of the party or activity to verify the occasion and location. Check
on adult supervision. Make sure it is substance free. If the activity seems
inappropriate, express your concern and keep you child home. Look for
alternative activities.
As a Host Parent...
When you are the host parent of a party or activity, be a visible host. Make
sure there is enough supervision. Ask another parent for help ahead of time
if you need it. Establish ground rules. Keep it tobacco, alcohol and drug
free. Call the parents of any child that you think is drunk or brings alcohol
or drugs. Don't let any child leave if you feel they are under the influence
of alcohol or drugs. Take and hold the car keys of everyone driving and return
them at the end of the night. Don't allow children to leave the party and
return.
Remember...
Parents are the Best Anti-Drug!
For more information you can contact:
Homes That Make A Difference
C/O Task Force Coordinator
P.O. Box 377
Jamestown, RI 02835
(401) 423-3317
email: Task Force Coordinator
Sponsored by:
Jamestown Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force
North Kingstown Working Together For Wellness Task Force
Jamestown Parent Teacher Organization
North Kingstown High School PTSO
Jamestown Police Department
North Kingstown Police Department