Worcester County Safe Homes

What is the Safe Homes Program?

The Safe Homes Program has been endorsed by many community groups and parents as an effective prevention strategy in combating underage alcohol and drug use among their children.  Participating parents are empowered through a pledged commitment to maintain an alcohol and drug free home that is safe for their children's social activities and recreation.

Why participate in the Safe Homes Program?

• Alcohol-remains #1 drug abused by minors across the country.
  

• Recent Worcester County high school seniors reported using beer, wine or wine coolers more often than the average among seniors across the state.
  

• 59.3% of recent Worcester County high school seniors reported using beer, wine or wine coolers in a 30 day period.
  

• 40.4% of recent Worcester County high school seniors had 5 or more servings of alcohol on the same occasion in a 30 day period.
  

• 12% of Maryland Adolescents surveyed reported driving under the influence of alcohol on 3 or more occasions.

Underage Drinking is a clear challenge to the health and well-being of our youth and families.  Yet, parents working together can still make a difference by participating in the Safe Homes Program!!

How does the Safe Homes Program work?

The work of Safe Homes begins with parents signing a pledge card listing the following commitments:

• I will actively chaperone all underage parties/activities in my home.
  

• I will not serve or allow alcoholic beverages to be served or be on the premises at underage parties or activities at my home.
  

• I will make sure my home is drug free.
  

• I will not permit any teenager who arrives or appears to be intoxicated to drive and I will alert appropriate parents.
  

• I welcome call from other parents who have children who have been invited to my home.

Safe Homes families are not alone in this commitment.  Pocomoke, Snow Hill, Berlin, and Ocean City Safe Homes families will be listed in local Safe Homes Directories that parents can use for networking and support.

How can I become a participant in the Safe Homes Program?

CONTACT The Worcester County Health Department's Prevention Office at 410-632-0056

The Safe Homes Program is sponsored by the Worcester County Underage Drinking Coalition is cooperation with the Pocomoke Collaborative, the Eagle's Nest in Snow Hill, B.R.A.V.E. in Berlin, the Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee, and the Worcester County 4-H.  Funding provided by the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.