www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut A Letter to the People

From the First Selectmen of
Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington

The quality of life in our three towns is a precious reality in today's world. The safety and well being of all people is a primary concern of ours. Several years ago teachers, students, parents and other citizens of Region 12 developed a COMMUNITIES FULL OF CHARACTER program. Core traits of Honesty, Respect, Courage, Caring, Citizenship, and Responsibility were identified as fundamental values that make great communities. Children learn ethical behavior primarily from their parents, and these values are taught and modeled in our schools. All citizens, however, can be role models by strengthening positive values.

As community leaders we want to enlist your help in addressing risky behaviors some young people are engaging in. Threats associated with illicit drug use as well as underage alcohol use are of deep concern to us, and they are present in every community. Most kids don't use illegal drugs, however, every young person is at risk.

We are aware of incidents in our towns where teenagers, ages 13-19, go to alcohol/drug parties in private homes. At some of these parents have gone away for the weekend. At others adults are present but allow such behavior. There are parents who supply alcohol and other drugs to teens. These activities take place each weekend. We want to thank that great majority of our parents, families and citizens who are healthy role models and are doing a great job helping children grow up. However, as a community we need to discourage risky behavior associated with illegal drug and alcohol use.

We are asking you to be aware of the following realities:

1. IF you are a parent or other community member who believes teenagers will drink or use other drugs anyway, and its better that you take their keys and let them party at your house, you should know you are responsible...
   • for the safety and health of each teenager at your home
   • for any intoxicated and drugged child of whom someone has taken sexual advantage
   • for any injury due to falls, fights, etc.
   • for any alcohol poisoning or deaths
   • for contributing to a teenager breaking the law

   You can be arrested and/or face civil suits (loss of personal wealth including your house.)

2. IF you are a parent who goes away for a weekend and leaves your teenage son or daughter home alone, or with a babysitter you should know...
   • your son or daughter alone may not resist the temptation or pressure to hold a party at your house. Teens get wind of these parties and soon a crowd shows up. Even babysitters become involved in or are overwhelmed at such parties.

3. IF you are an adult who believes teenagers have to start partying sometime, so you say why not now?' you should know...
   • the sooner a child begins drinking or using drugs, the greater likelihood that child will become an alcoholic or addict. There is a direct correlation between early risk taking and destroyed lives.

4. IF you are a recent high school graduate or other young adult who supplies alcohol or other drugs to teenagers, you should know...
   • you face the prospect of arrest and real jail time as well as civil suits.

5. IF you are a teenager who has already started risky partying behavior, you should know...
   • drug and alcohol use will destroy your life and hurt others around you
   • you can seek help from your parents, school counselors, clergy, or call the many community health organizations devoted to helping teenagers
   • you should get involved in healthier activities: Shepaug Youth Association activities, athletics, martial arts, scouts, theatre groups, church youth groups, music lessons, After School Arts Program...

6. IF you are a parent who allows your son or daughter to stay overnight at someone else's home, you should know...
   • if the other parents are home
   • what the other parents' beliefs are regarding teenage use of alcohol/drugs
   • if your child will be there all night or if he/she going elsewhere
   • if the parent will check on your child's whereabouts and condition throughout the evening

7. IF you are a parent of a teenager, who has been out for the evening you need to know...
   • that by insisting your son/daughter kiss you goodnight and talk to you, you will discourage drug/alcohol use by your child

8. IF you are a community member who believes this is not your problem, you should know that...
   • teenagers who are under the influence of drugs/alcohol drive the same roads as you and your loved ones
   • your awareness of risky behavior, your vocal opposition to it, and your encouragement to teenagers to engage in safe and fun activities is critical

Please join us as we continue to support our schools and families to help children live safe, healthy lives. Have an enjoyable Holiday Season.

William Stuart, First Selectman, The Town of Bridgewater
Barbara Henry, First Selectman, The Town of Roxbury
Richard Sears, First Selectman, The Town of Washington