An Ounce of Prevention

FAMILY GUIDELINES

• Check your SAFE HOMES Parent Directory to see if the host parents have signed the pledge. Regardless of whether or not the parents have signed the pledge, call the host parent and introduce yourself.
• Verify with the parent the occasion and location.
• Check that there will be active, responsible, adult supervision at all times.
• Verify that there will be NO alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs allowed, served, provided, or available at all. Verify that firearms, if any, will be secured and inaccessible to teens and their guests.
• If the activity seems inappropriate, express your concern to the parent and to your child; keep your child home and plan another activity, perhaps with the family.

AS A HOST PARENT

• Encourage "by invitation only" activities.
• Never permit "party crashers." Use a guest list.
• Be a visible, active host. Tell guests who choose to leave the activity they may not return. Call the parents of youth who leave and inform them so they know you are no longer supervising their child.
• Never allow anyone "under the influence" to leave (MUST be with an adult).