Safe Homes
| Goal: To develop a county-wide initiative, involving parents, to implement a Safe Homes Parent Network in their homes, schools and community; and to ultimately protect the safety and health of youth in Buffalo County. |
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| What is Safe Homes? The Safe Home Pledge is dedicated to helping provide a safe social environment for youth in our homes and homes of other community members. Safe Homes provides an opportunity for parents to join together to create an open communication among parents; assist parents in establishing guidelines for their children’s behavior, to prevent the use of alcohol and other substances amongst youth, and to establish social gathering standards for parents, youth and the community. |
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| Who is welcome to join? All parents, grandparents, guardians, adult mentors and other influential adults with children in K-12th grade, who reside in Buffalo County, are encouraged to join. The pledge is operated on the “honor” system, with the intent that parents who join are committed to making a safe social environment for all children and youth in Buffalo County. |
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| Why should I sign? Signing the pledge is a way to let other parents and adults in your community know that you support the recommendations expressed in the pledge and are making every effort to support the pledge. As a parent you cannot control every activity whether positive or negative, but you can demonstrate your commitment to responsible behavior by signing the pledge and encouraging others to do so. As a parent, being listed in the network is optional, and you are welcome to sign the pledge without being listed. |
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| What is required of me? Read the pledge with your children and teens. Explain to them your commitment to the pledge. Supervise social gatherings (parties, post-prom, graduation) involving youth, and do not allow youth to engage in substance use, including alcohol in your home. |
| By signing, does this mean I as an adult cannot drink in my home? No, this is not the intent of the pledge; however it is important for parents to model responsible and appropriate behavior (not abstinence) for youth (i.e. Adults of legal drinking age and in moderation if they choose to drink). By signing the pledge you are agreeing to not allow anyone under the age of 21 to have alcohol in your home or on your property. |
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| What happens if my child is invited to someone’s house that is not listed on the network list Contact the person’s family member. Just because they are not listed, does not mean they do not support the pledge. As a parent, encourage the parent(s) not listed to become part of the network and explain the benefits of the communication tool. |
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| How do I access the Safe Homes List? The Safe Homes membership directory can be accessed at your local school, or online at www.bcchp.org, by clicking on the Safe Homes tab. |
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| Why do I need my contact information listed in the directory? Placing your name and contact information in the directory allows other parents to know that you welcome phone calls, emails, etc. when their children will be attending social events with your child or at your home. The parent network is designed to create a communication network amongst parents in Buffalo County. |
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| How often is the pledge renewed? The pledge will be renewed at the beginning of each school year. |
| Useful Resources Download a Buffalo County Safe Homes Parent Network Packet in English or Spanish. |
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