Open Letter to Parents from Angela Baker

Open Letter to Parents About Underage Alcohol Use

April 2008

Dear Parent:

The end of the school year is a very exciting and hectic time for parents of Juniors and Seniors in Franklin County. Prom decisions are being made and graduation parties are being planned. But with all of this fun comes the danger of underage alcohol consumption and all the negative effects that could result, including serious accidents, rape/assault, unplanned pregnancy, and even death.

Franklin County Caring Communities and our collaborating partners (see the list of signatures below) are working together to encourage parents to help reduce the use of alcohol (and other drugs) among adolescents in our community. As you enter into this season of fun and celebration, we ask you to remember the following:

• Do not serve or allow alcohol at any party you are hosting for persons under the age of 21. An adult who provides alcohol is subject to arrest and is risking lives as well. Even if you are on your own property, you can be imprisoned 2 years or fined $2,000 if you sell or furnish alcohol to a minor. If you provide a place for underage drinking to occur, you may also be held accountable.

• Know where your child is attending a party and verify that there will be parental supervision and that it will be alcohol-free.

• Make it clear to your child that you DO NOT approve of him/her drinking alcohol. The legal drinking age is 21 – no exceptions.

• A minor who consumes alcohol is violating the law and is risking his/her life, as well as the life of others. Parents or other adults may be held responsible if there is property damage, fighting, sexual assault or any other injury. If someone dies, you may be prosecuted with involuntary manslaughter.

• There are serious consequences for adults who furnish alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. According to Vermont law, an adult “shall be imprisoned for up to five years or fined not more than $10,000 or both” if he/she sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor or provides a place to drink and that minor, “while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway causes death or serious bodily injury.”

• Underage Drinking is not a “Minor” Problem. If you hear about an underage drinking party, REPORT IT! You can call the anonymous toll-free tip line at 1-866-TEEN-USE (1-866-833-6873). Stop Teen Tragedies….Make the Call

Please help us protect your child’s bright future by providing a safe, alcohol-free season of celebrations for your son or daughter.
Sincerely,

Beth Crane, Executive Director         Lieutenant Rob Evans
Franklin County Caring Communities      Vermont State Police

Sheriff Robert Norris            Chief Gary Taylor
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department      St. Albans City Police Department

Chief Leonard Stell            Dr. Edward Grossman, Principal
Swanton Police Department         Enosburg Falls Middle/High School

Mr. Dale Guertin, Principal         Mr. Scott Lang, Principal
Richford Jr. Sr. High School         Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax

Mr. Ned Caron, Principal         Mr. Chaunce Benedict, Principal
Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans         Missisquoi Valley Union High School