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Health & Fitness

During Prom and Grad Season, Parents Who Host Lose the Most

The mission of the Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth is to positively impact the well-being of Novato youth through community action, policy advocacy and education.

Graduation is an important milestone in young people’s lives and a cause for celebration. Parents should know, however, that hosting a party at which alcohol is available to youth is illegal and can pose serious health risks and legal ramifications for everyone involved.

Parents (or any adult) who provides alcohol to youth can be arrested and/or cited for endangering the welfare of a minor. Teens can be arrested and/or cited for hosting a party with alcohol as well.  Teens can lose college financial aid. Your home insurance can be jeopardized or even cancelled even if you are NOT found guilty and even if you NOT convicted.

Parents can provide a smart and safe environment for themselves and their teens by following a few guidelines for hosting parties for their children:

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  • Host safe, alcohol-free events for youth during prom and graduation season
  • Refuse to supply alcohol to youth or allow drinking in your home or on your property
  • Be at home when your teen has a party
  • Make sure your child’s friends don’t bring alcohol into your home
  • Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol to youth at youth event and to report underage drinking

The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth will have a Town Hall meeting about  underage drinking on May 10 at . See the attachment and the come learn more about the Parent Pledge Campaign. You can pledge to provide safe and alcohol-free environments for youth in Novato.

Graduation is an important step in young people’s lives. Teenagers deserve to live and to grow in to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Hosting a lively alcohol-free party with plenty of fun activities for everyone is the best way we can show youth we care about their future.

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For more information, please contact Nikki Buckstead at nbuckstead@novatoyouthcenter.org or visit www.NovatoBlueRibbon.org.

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