Welcome to the SAFE HOMES
Parents Network

Community working together to prevent Underage Drinking

• SAFE HOMES is a pledge-based substance abuse prevention program for parents/guardians of children under 21. 

• There is NO COST for membership.

• SAFE HOMES provides parents/guardians an opportunity to UNITE and communicate about issues regarding their youth.

• SAFE HOMES provides resources to parents/guardians to help send a clear message to all youth that there will be NO USE of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth in the community.

 

Thank You for your interest in the
Greater Nashua Community Prevention Coalition's
SAFE HOMES Parents Network.

All expectations must be agreed upon in order to be a SAFE HOMES Parents Network member. Please thoughtfully consider signing the following pledge for the safety and well-being of your children.

Pledge Expectations of the
SAFE HOMES Parents Network Members

I WILL actively supervise all gatherings of youth in my home or on my property

I WILL NOT allow the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by youth in my home or on my property.

I WILL set appropriate expectations and consequences for my child’s behavior

I WILL KNOW...

• where my children are,
• whom they are with,
• what they are doing,
• when they are expected to return home,
• what the consequences will be if rules are broken.

Two Important Facts...

1. Signing the SAFE HOMES Pledge is NOT a substitute for calling in advance to verify that an activity will be free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Never be hesitant to call the adult in charge.
2. The SAFE HOMES Pledge is NOT a legally binding contract, but rather a pledge agreement by all parents involved.

 

 

SAFE HOMES Pledge

• I will actively supervise all gatherings of youth in our home or on our property, or ask another responsible adult for help to do so.
  
  
• I will not allow the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by youth in our home or on our property.
  
  
• I will set expectations for my children by knowing where they are going, whom they are with, what they are doing, and when they are to return home.

Please complete the form below to be recorded with other SAFE HOME pledge families.

 

Name:
Email Address:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone (Home, With Area Code)
Phone (Work, With Area Code)

 

What Actions Can You Take Now?

Family Guidelines

Communication

School Events

Social Events

Protecting Children

What's New in Substance Abuse Prevention

Information / Help

Family Guidelines

• Inform your children that you have joined the SAFE HOMES Parents Network.
• Discuss with them why you believe this program is important.
• Know where your children are, whom they are with, what they are doing, and when they are expected to return home.
• Know ahead of time what the consequences will be if they do not follow the rules.
• Be awake (or awakened) when children return home at night.
• Let your children know where YOU will be when leaving the home.
• Assure your children you may be called to pick them up at any time, from any place, and for any reason.
• Get to know your children’s friends and their parents.

 

Communication

Communicate With Your Child That:

• Being drug free is the NORM in your home.
• You have clear and consistent expectations for their behavior
• There will be consequences for their actions.

Communicate With Other Children That:

• There will be no possession, serving, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by youth in your home or on your property.
• You will have regular contact with their parents/guardians.
• You have clear and consistent expectations for their behavior.

Communicate With Other Parents That:

• Your home is a safe, healthy, and drug-free place for all youth.
• All activities for youth are actively supervised by responsible adults
• You welcome a call or communication from all parents at any time.

School Events

• Parents should attend school functions on a regular basis.
• Parents should get to know their child’s teachers, coaches, and faculty.
• Parents should post a school calendar in the home.
• Parents should participate in and chaperone school functions
• Parents should communicate with other parents about school functions and activities

Social Events

• Be aware that parties, sleepovers, and other gatherings are happening without parental supervision.
• Both adults and children need to know that drugs of any kind are not to be equated with the concept of “fun” or “party.”
• Parents should call the adult in charge to discuss plans.
• Check with the host parent to assure that responsible adults will be supervising the event at all times.
• Verify that no drugs of any kind will be present at the event.
• If anything seems inappropriate, keep your child home. Plan a fun alternative activity for your child and their friends.
• Parents need to support each other and their decisions regarding events.
• Parents need to consistently encourage “by invitation only” events.
• Never permit “crashers” that may bring drugs into an event.
• Be a visible and active host at all events.

Protecting Children

Parents Can Help Create An Environment Which Protects and Nurtures Children!

Work With SCHOOLS

• Support strong, effective curricula and policies.
• Support consistent enforcement of policies—even if it is your child who is caught.
• Support smoke-free buildings, campuses, and vehicles

Work With POLICY MAKERS

• Know your lawmakers (city, county, state, and national).
• Communicate to them your support for strong laws that prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs by children—oppose laws that do not.
• Support comprehensive prevention approaches—not just laws aimed at children. Support laws that challenge anyone who provides or promotes any drug to children.

Work With LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Report anyone who provides alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to children.
• Report any merchants who sell drug paraphernalia
• Remember that law enforcement officials enforce only the laws their community insists they enforce.
• PRESS CHARGES against anyone who provides alcohol or other drugs to your child.

Challenge ANYONE who promotes any drug to any child.

• Write letters to the editor supporting good drug prevention.
• Contact the producers of television shows, movies, recording industries or Internet sites that contain entertainment messages promoting drug use.
• Challenge marketing and advertising practices of the alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia industries, especially marketing that targets children.
• Work to increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco, because when prices increase significantly, use decreases significantly.

LET'S PUT CHILDREN FIRST

Work with all other community members (including prosecutors, judges, clergy, busineses, and young people) to buildthe positive assets of your community.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Five Facts About Alcohol

1. Drinking can cause short and long term memory loss.
2. Drinking liquor with energy drinks confuses your heartbeat, resulting in mood swings and possible heart failure.
3. Alcohol is the major cause of death and injuries among young people.
4. Women who drink are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
5. Alcohol can cause infertility and permanent impotence in men.

Five Facts About Tobacco

1. Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin.
2. Children can become addicted as early as the THIRD cigarette.
3. Smokers as young as 18 year old have shown signe of heart disease.
4. One-third of all new smokers will eventually die from tobacco use.
5. Children who use tobacco are at great risk to use other drugs.