Safe Homes Network
Berks County Safe Homes Program
A program supported by parents, for parents, the Safe Homes program is a parent network to help parents ensure the homes their children visit are safe and healthy places. Safe Homes parents enjoy the mutual support of other like-minded parents by agreeing to follow the tenets of the Safe Homes pledge. A directory of names and telephone numbers of Safe Homes members within each participating school is compiled and mailed to all pledging households. These homes enjoy the understanding that they may contact anyone in the directory about upcoming events that their child/children might be attending.
In repeated surveys of students in Berks County and across the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the importance of family as a factor influencing their attitudes and actions regarding alcohol and other drugs emerges. In fact, “parents’ example” is paramount among reasons kids don’t drink or use illegal drugs. By supporting the Safe Homes program, the Council on Chemical Abuse strives to help parents in fulfilling this responsibility.
High School Parent:
1. I will NOT allow unsupervised parties or gatherings in my home.
2. I will NOT serve or allow anyone under the age of 21 years to consume alcohol, or permit the use of illicit drugs by anyone in my home or on my property.
3. I wish to be informed by other parents of any drug or alcohol use or any other risk taking behavior of which they are aware my child/children may be involved. Also, I will inform other Safe Homes parents of any drug or alcohol use or any other risk taking behavior of which I am aware their child/children may be involved.
4. I will call other parents for information when my child/children is/are invited to a party and I will welcome calls from other parents concerned about their child/children.
Middle School Parent:
1. I will be a good role model. My habits and attitudes may strongly influence my
child/children’s ideas about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
2. I will know who my child/children’s friends are. And, when possible, I will know their parents. Next to me, friends are the biggest influence on my child/children at this age.
3. I will make family rules. It is helpful for my child/children to know the specific rules about not using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It will also be helpful for my child/children to know what the consequences will be for using them.
Elementary School Parent:
1. I will teach my child/children the risks of alcohol and other drug use. Because alcohol is legal for adults to drink, my child/children may be confused about the risks young people face if they drink alcohol.
2. I will help my child/children deal with peer pressure. I recognize that my child/children may need my encouragement and “permission” to say no to negative peer pressure.
3. I will encourage healthy, creative activities. Hobbies, school events, and other activities may prevent my child/children from using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
For more information on how you can start a Safe Homes network in your school, please contact the Safe Homes Coordinator.
