Call Us (111) 234 - 5678NPC PARENT LINK
A Network for Parents and Guardians
WHAT WE BELIEVE
John Steinbeck said, “Perhaps it takes courage to raise children.” And today, these words ring even more true. The team at NPC created the Parent Link to provide a simple way for the parents + guardians of Northampton teens to connect with each other, share their experiences, and access resources and support around drug and alcohol use.
We developed this program because we believe that there is power in knowledge, strength in connection, and resilience in community — and that in this combination, we find the collective courage needed to keep our kids safe and healthy.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The NPC Parent Link is a digital network of tools + resources created to help parents and guardians engage with teens about the risks and expectations around underage drug and alcohol use.
WHAT IT’S FOR
The network serves as a connection point for parents + guardians seeking resources and peer support around difficult topics. The ultimate goal is to empower our community members to open a dialogue with teens and other parents — to educate, share experiences and expectations, and create safe and healthy spaces for every teen.
The network also serves to educate parents and guardians about Social Host Laws — including liability for gatherings hosted at their home, with or without their knowledge.
WHO IT’S FOR
Administrators at and Parents/Guardians of students who attend:
WHAT IT INCLUDES
Parent Network: a digital directory that includes contact information for other parents. For security and confidentiality sake, the directory is housed within Aspen for JFK/NHS, and within Plus Portal for SVAHS. The directory is ONLY accessible by proper login.
Toolkit: is comprised of digital tools + resources available for free online, that provide tips and tools around drug and alcohol use in teens — including the dangers of underage drinking and strategies for opening a dialogue with teens, and also other parents. For Spanish version click here.
Social Media Support — A Facebook group where parents can share resources/events, ask questions, etc.
Social Host Laws: specific laws in effect around the liability of parents/guardians when hosting underage children at home
WHERE CAN I FIND THE DIRECTORY AND TOOL KIT?
The NPC Parent Link directory is housed online within the Aspen portal for JFK and NHS families to access, and on Plus Portal for SVAHS families.
The Toolkit is located within the directory on Aspen and Plus Portal, as well as posted to our NPC website and is available via email.
For more information:
Email: npcprevents@gmail.com
Tips for Families:
If your teen is invited to someone else’s home:
- Reach out to the host parent to say hello and introduce yourself.
- Ask the questions you need to ask for comfort’s sake: how much supervision will there be? What activities will the kids do? What are the rules around alcohol and substance use for adults and visiting teens? Ask If there are weapons in the home and if so, how are they stored?
- Make sure your child can reach you if necessary.
- Find out what time the gathering will end and when your child will be home. Be awake when your child arrives check in about the event.
If you or your teen are hosting a party…
- Set ground rules with your teen in advance.
- Encourage “by invitation only” gatherings.
- Be a visible host during the gathering.
- Don’t let anyone who appears to be intoxicated leave your home.
- Contact the parent if a teen appears to be intoxicated when arriving or if a teen brings drugs or alcohol to your home.
Know the Law: Your Civil and Criminal Liability
Massachusetts Statute C. 138 section 34 — whoever furnishes any such beverage or alcohol for a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both.
Serving or providing intoxicating substances to a minor may also be prosecuted under other criminal statutes, for example, child endangerment (such cases where the underage drinker harms himself or another), which can result in a State prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine up to $150,000.
Any person who serves alcohol resulting in intoxication is also civilly liable for injuries caused by the intoxicated person’s negligence.
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