Teen alcohol use is a problem in West Sonoma County In the recent California Healthy Kids Survey, west county teens report frequent high-risk consumption of alcohol. Teen drinking leads to many serious problems including accidents, injuries and alcohol poisoning, learning and behavior problems, and problems with friends, school and work. Recent research indicates that teen drinking has a significant impact on brain development, and those who consume alcohol at a young age have a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol later in life. The West County Coalition for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth is a group of west county parents, educators, law enforcement officers, health professionals, and other community members committed to reducing the problems associated with teen use of alcohol. The West County Coalition for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth suggests you join a supportive network of other parents across the community in creating a healthy and safe environment for West Sonoma County youth, by discussing the issue of alcohol use with your teen, and signing the annual Parent/Community Pledge (hard copy available at your youth’s school). After signing the Parent Pledge, you may return the pledge to your student’s school office or to Diane Davis, Coordinator of the West County Coalition for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth. Guidelines for Hosting or Supervising Events Make sure alcohol is not accessible to teens. Encourage “by invitation only” parties. Let guests who leave the party know that they may not return. Call the parents of any youth who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Help anyone who is under the influence to get home safely. Call the police if the party gets out of control. Tell your teens you signed the Parent / Community Pledge and what it means. Designate a responsible adult to supervise your teen when you are out of town or unavailable. When your teen is invited to a party, contact the adult in charge to verify The location and hours of the party. That there will be adult supervision. That no alcohol or other drugs will be served or allowed. When your teen gets home from a party, check in with him or her. Talk to other parents about hosting alcohol-free youth parties. The West County Coalition for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth is a group of concerned citizens and organizations that have come together to address the problems of youth substance abuse. With funding from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Prevention and Planning, the Coalition is implementing research-proven approaches to change risky environments that encourage underage drinking. This way of working will bring many parts of our community together to strengthen existing policies to make Sebastopol and the West County environs a safer place for youth and the community at large. If you have any questions about the pledge, or want to know more about The West County Coalition for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth, or if you are interested in joining the Coalition, please contact:     Diane Davis     Environmental Prevention Coordinator     Sebastopol Police Department     6850 Laguna Park Way     Sebastopol, CA 95472     Phone: (707) 829-4400        Cell: (707) 508-6242     dianedavis3@gmail.com