Teenagers today face a difficult challenge in resisting the use of alcohol and other drugs. This is particularly true in Talbot County where our rates of alcohol and other drugs are alarmingly high. By signing the Safe Homes pledge at the beginning of each school year, parents of children in grades eight through twelve pledge to supervise all teen gatherings and prohibit underage alcohol, tobacco and drug use in their homes. By signing the pledge, parents take a stand and join forces with other parents to be a part of the solution to Talbot County’s underage abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

An additional benefit of the Safe Homes Program is that parents who sign the Safe Homes Pledge receive a Safe Homes 2011/2012 Directory, which includes the names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of other parents who have taken the Safe Homes Pledge. Each year, more than 500 families with teens in schools in Talbot County use the Safe Homes Directory to connect to other families to help keep their teens free from alcohol and other drugs at home, as well as away from home. The directory assists parents and teens when making decisions about attending safe, alcohol and drug-free social events.

Parents can become a part of the Safe Homes Project 2011/2012, sponsored by the Talbot County Health Department, Talbot County Public Schools and Talbot Partnership, by signing the Safe Homes Pledge and agreeing:
(1) To actively supervise all gatherings/parties in their home.
(2) Not to serve alcohol to any guest under the age of 21 years of age.
(3) Not allow the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs by youth in their home or on their property.
(4) To acknowledge that there are civil/criminal offenses associated with serving alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.

For further information on the Safe Homes Pledge, visit www.talbotpartnership.org or call 410-819-8067. Pledges should be returned by mail or completed online by October 15. The Safe Homes Directory will be mailed to parents in early November.

In photo: Pictured left to right are staff of Easton Middle School who are promoting the Safe Homes Pledge for parents of children in eighth grade. By signing the pledge, parents take a stand and join forces with other parents to be a part of the solution to Talbot County’s underage abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Pictured left to right, standing, are Eric Pittsinger, assistant principal; Linda Wieder, assistant principal; and Lib Cassidy, assistant principal. Seated front row, left to right, are Norby Lee, principal Easton Middle School and Dr. Karen Salmon, Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools.