Health & Fitness
Parents Who Host Lose the Most Ready for Prom, Graduation
MCYAF will co-sponsor the "Parents Who Host Lose the Most" campaign with police this prom and graduation season about the consequences and risks adults face when they provide alcohol to minors.
MCYAF, in partnership with Des Plaines, Niles and Park Ridge Police, will once again sponsor an awareness and education campaign this prom and graduation season about the consequences and risks adults face when they provide alcohol to minors. In Maine Township, most teens don’t drink alcohol regularly and most parents agree that it’s not OK for teens to drink.
As part of the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign, MCYAF asks residents to adopt a sign with the campaign slogan and display it in their yard. This year, MCYAF is aiming to increase the number of signs so they’re more visible throughout neighborhoods in Maine Township where adults and youth will see them. Local data from the Illinois Youth Survey show that when youth believe adults don’t approve of underage drinking they’re less likely to drink.
Illinois law states that it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol, and adults can be prosecuted for hosting underage drinking in their home. Adults who knowingly allow or permit underage drinking to occur may be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine of at least $500. If great bodily harm or death occurs due to underage drinking, the individual is subject to a Class 4 felony.
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Maine Township teens say alcohol is easy to get and their source is usually someone they know. Teens most often get alcohol at a party, from a friend, an older sibling or their own parent or another adult, with or without permission.
Underage drinking is harmful to teens because their brains are still developing; judgment, decision-making and impulse control are all areas that are not yet mature.
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Parents and adults can make a difference by:
- refusing to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years old
- locking up or keeping track of alcohol in their homes
- supervising youth when they’re at home
- contacting other parents to make sure social events are alcohol-free and chaperoned
If you'd like to display a Parents Who Host Lose the Most yard sign, contact Tricia Williams at 847-571-3189 or prevention@mcyaf.com.
Data Source: 2012 Illinois Youth Survey (IYS). 5,473 Maine Township students
About MCYAF
The Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide Maine Township residents with a foundation to make healthier choices. MCYAF works with parents, schools, police, youth, government, health care providers, social service, faith and civic organizations toward a common goal of healthy youth. MCYAF secures federal and state grants as well as corporate and private donations for programs and services that promote improved health for residents. For more information, see www.mcyaf.com or contact us at (847) 858-7090.
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