Parents
As a coalition, we recognize parents' pivotal role in shaping our youth's futures. As the first line of defense in preventing substance use among our children, your involvement is not just beneficial—it's essential. Here's why joining hands with TAPP is a step towards a healthier, safer future for our children and community.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: By engaging with T.A.P.P., you gain access to a wealth of resources and information designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to address substance use proactively. Understanding the signs of use, the latest trends in substance abuse, and effective communication strategies empowers you to be an informed advocate for your child's well-being.
Community Strength: Your involvement signifies a stronger, united community front against the challenges of youth substance abuse. Together, we can amplify the message that the health and safety of our children are paramount, creating an environment where they feel supported and understood.
Protective Strategies: We focus on strengthening protective factors within families and reducing risk factors that contribute to substance use. Through workshops, seminars, and support networks, you'll learn how to foster a positive home environment that encourages healthy decision-making, resilience, and emotional strength.
Making a Difference: Your participation not only benefits your family but also contributes to the broader mission of building a healthier Torrington. By sharing your experiences, insights, and support, you become an integral part of the solution, inspiring others to join the cause and spreading the message of prevention and care.
Join Us: The Torrington Awareness & Prevention Partnership invites you to be part of this vital movement. Together, we can guide our youth towards brighter, substance-free futures. Your involvement could be the key to empowering another family to make positive changes. Let's unite to protect our children's futures and build a community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to make healthy choices.
Support for Parents
"Talk. They Hear You."® Campaign
SAMHSA’s The “Discussion Starter” “Talk. They Hear You.” is set on a within a community setting showcasing a variety of situations that parents and caregivers could have a conversation about alcohol, and culminating into and school basketball court where 12- to 13-year old boys are playing a Saturday morning game. The parents (Bill and Diane), arrive after the game is underway, and sit down with other parents in the stands.
Each parent is engaged in conversation with other parents, and then engaged in a discussion in the car that leads the parents (Bill and Diane) recognition that they needed to talk with his own son (Tim) and younger daughter (Katie) about alcohol use.
For more information, visit SAMHSA
KNOW The Connecticut Social Host Law
Be a Part of the Solution
Connecticut enforces a strict Social Host Law, sometimes referred to as the "House Party" law, which holds parents, homeowners, and property owners accountable for underage drinking or cannabis use that occurs on their property.
Understanding the Law
The Social Host Law is detailed in Connecticut General Statutes, with Section 30-89a addressing alcohol and Section 21a-421ccc focusing on cannabis.
Both laws clearly state that it’s illegal to “knowingly or recklessly allow any minor to possess” alcohol or cannabis on your property or within your home.
This means:
- You cannot provide minors with alcohol or cannabis in your home.
- You cannot allow minors access to alcohol or cannabis on your property.
- It’s illegal to permit gatherings where someone else gives alcohol or cannabis to minors.
If you are aware that a minor has alcohol or cannabis on your property, the law requires that you make “reasonable efforts” to stop it. Ignoring the situation or “looking the other way” could result in criminal charges, even if you didn’t directly supply the substances or plan the event.
Penalties for Violating the Law
Violating the Social Host Law is considered a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in jail for a first offense.
More serious consequences may apply depending on the situation. For example, providing alcohol to minors can result in a Class E felony, punishable by a fine of up to $3,500 and up to 18 months in jail. Additionally, if a minor becomes intoxicated on your property and causes injury, property damage, or other harm, you could face civil liability from the affected parties.
Who is considered a Host?
Under the law, anyone who owns, rents, or controls the property where an event or party takes place is considered the "host." This includes parents, guardians, homeowners, and landlords.
Teenagers or other minors hosting parties without their parents' knowledge are also subject to the law—there’s no minimum age to be held responsible as a host.
Why the Social Host Law Exists
Enacted in 2012, Connecticut’s Social Host Law was designed to curb underage drinking by holding adults accountable. When cannabis was legalized for adult use in 2021, the law was extended to include cannabis-related violations.
Some parents believe it’s safer for teens to drink or use cannabis at home under their supervision. However, studies show that early exposure to alcohol and cannabis can have lasting effects on the developing brain, which continues to mature into the mid-twenties. These substances increase the likelihood of addiction and lifelong substance abuse issues. The Social Host Law aims to protect teens by preventing access to these substances and encouraging safe, substance-free environments.
TAPP is a community coalition whose mission is to promote healthy life choices through collaboration, education, support and training. We engage and mobilize youth, parents and community partners to prevent substance misuse, foster emotional health, and maintain a safe and healthy community.
58 High Street, Torrington, CT 06790
(959) 799-1445
torringtonapp@gmail.com
