What is the Upriver Youth Safe Homes Network?
As part of the national Safe Homes initiative, the Upriver Youth Safe Homes Network encourages communication among parents to prevent teenage alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. We want to protect our youth from being exposed to peer-pressure situations when they socialize with their peers.
Parents who take the Safe Homes pledge agree to prohibit minors from using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs at home or on their property. As a Safe Homes parent, you can choose to be listed in our directory and communicate with other parents who’ve taken the pledge.
SAFE HOMES is a safety net made by parents, for parents. Will you take the pledge?
The Safe Homes Initiative.
Safe Home parents all receive a directory of parents supporting this initiative. They can then feel comfortable calling each other to verify that children and teen get-togethers will be held at a Safe Home with responsible parental supervision. When adults join together and take a united stand, they become more effective than when acting alone!
Children and youth in our community will receive the message that parents care enough about them to try and prevent alcohol, tobacco, other drug use, and avoid unsafe conditions at home. The end result can be a safe and healthy social environment where children and teens can thrive.
What to Expect as a Safe Homes Parent.
Safe Homes parents are asked to sign and uphold a pledge to help prevent underage drinking, smoking, and other drug use among community youth (including your own children). As a Safe Homes parent, you are required to:
- Restrict all youth uses of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in your home or on your property.
- Communicate with other parents before getting together.
- Support school policies and law enforcement regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- Develop and communicate a no-use position to your children about the use of all illegal drugs.
- Be a positive role model for your children and others.
- Follow appropriate and consistent discipline while showing love and concern.
- Never leave a minor in charge of the house when planning to be away overnight, as peer pressure to have a party can be hard to resist. Consider making arrangements to have your teen stay at a "safe" home. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your house while you are away.
How to Communicate with Other Safe Homes Parents.
As a Host Parent
- Keep your phone handy and expect calls from other parents
- Be visible throughout the event
- Call the parents if children or youth bring drugs or other illegal substances
- Call the police if an incident occurs
- To prevent drug use, you can:
- Tell guests that leave early that they cannot return later
- Make the guest list invitation-only to prevent party crashers
The parent of the invited children or youth
Call the parent in charge to:
- Verify the occasion and location
- Check to ensure there will be adult supervision
- Confirm no drugs will be allowed
It's Never Too Early (or Too Late!)
In Idaho, some children report that they started drinking as young as eight years old. It’s not too early to start thinking about substance abuse safety.
As a parent, educate yourself about the risks of drugs and underage drinking by reviewing our resources pages. Explain the risks of using substances to your children. The earlier you start talking to your child about the risks and consequences, the less likely they are to use these substances.
Seeking Help?
Get real support when you need it.
Recovery
Drug-free homes that have taken the pledge.
Parent Resources
Resources for parents, teens, and kids.
Calendar
Free transportation for community events.
Become a Safe Homes Parent Today!
Get connected with the Safe Homes network of parents and supporters.
