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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
In Washington in 1998,
youth between the ages of 16 and 20 accounted for 93 (14 percent) of
the total 660 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Law enforcement
officers throughout the state were often called to unchaperoned parties
and other youthful gatherings where there was underage alcohol consumption.
Washington traffic safety advocates sought to develop alternative activities
for youth at risk for illegal alcohol use, and to provide parents and
other adults in the community at-large with information about the risks
and dangers related to underage alcohol use.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Parent Party Patrol
™ was developed in 1994 to reduce underage alcohol consumption
in Pierce County, Washington, and increase adult involvement in safe
and responsible alternatives for young people. The primary objectives
of the Parent Party Patrol ™ are to:
- Curtail
unsupervised parties and other youthful gatherings
- Reduce
the number of injuries and deaths resulting from alcohol toxicity
and youth impaired driving
- Reduce adult
sponsorship of events for youth that involve alcohol use.
- Encourage
open communications between youth and their parents or guardians regarding
alcohol and other drug use
- Improve
the investment of responsible adults in the development of guidelines
for youth
- Create
a relationship between youth, adults, schools and law enforcement,
that fosters improved trust
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The
Parent Party Patrol ™ is a volunteer, non-profit organization that
reaches out to parents, grandparents, foster-parents and older primary
caregivers to young people at risk for illegal alcohol use. The program
also attempts to connect with local law enforcement agencies, schools,
churches and other entities that serve or are involved with youth. It
provides interactive settings that allow participants to learn more
about the consequences of alcohol and drug use by youth, and the choices
available to promote safe, responsible activities for young people.
The majority of program participants are referred by word of mouth from
others who have attended Parent Party Patrol ™ presentations or
workshops. Services provided by the program include:
- Professional
panel presentations by liquor control agents, law enforcement officers,
health care providers and insurance representatives
- Workshops
focusing on parenting skills, support and referrals
- Assistance
in identifying ongoing neighborhood party locations
- Lists of
statewide alcohol violations, published quarterly
- Informational
program materials including handbooks and videos, designed to provide
tools and solutions for the home and community
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