The past year for the Safe Communities Coalition was a busy and extremely successful one. Here are some highlights of the Coalition Initiatives:
Private Property Ordinances (PPO): Hunterdon County (HC) had one of the lowest percentage rates (8%) in NJ for the passage of Private Property Ordinances. With the help of the Coalition, 33% of county municipalities now have a PPO: Readington, Lambertville, Milford, Raritan Township, and Flemington Boro. Franklin will vote at the October Town Council meeting.
Law Enforcement Adolescent Program (LEAP) is a pilot program among the HC Prosecutor’s Office, HPR and police departments in Readington, Flemington Boro, Clinton and Clinton Township. If youth are arrested for a minor offense, they will be given the choice of participating in LEAP or going to court. Youth AND their parents will be referred to HPR’s social worker for a 1-hour evaluation. The family will then be referred to an appropriate resource, i.e. Hunterdon Drug Awareness, Catholic Charities.
Successful Campaigns:
Know the Law—Social Hosting Law
Social Norms Campaign—2 out of 3 teens do not drink
Roaming Truck is used for campaign advertising. Other Coalitions are now using the truck because of the success of our Coalition.
Rx Take-Back Programs—Two programs are scheduled this Fall: October 29—DEA National Take Back Day November 13—American Medicine Chest Challenge
Safe Homes Directory: Parents pledge not to allow underage drinking in their homes. This Directory is accessible on the Coalition website so parents will know whose homes are safe for their children.
Matthew’s Message, the program on Rx abuse created by the Coalition, has given the Coalition high visibility not only in our county but across the nation. The Coalition was honored with the Dose of Prevention Award based on the success of this program; the Coalition was the first to focus on Rx dangers.
In A Split Second: The Coalition partnered with the HOPE Project and Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) on the documentary “In A Split Second” which has been viewed by over 2,000 people. This powerful documentary speaks to teens about the dangers of prescription drugs. The feedback received from those who have viewed the documentary has been extremely positive.
911 Lifeline Legislation: Before the Coalition incorporated information on the 911 Lifeline Legislation into its Teen Safety program, the community knew little of this legislation, including law enforcement. Wallet-sized cards have been printed and will be distributed to all high school seniors this Fall so this information is readily accessible to them should they need it to help a friend.
Annual Conference (presented for professionals): Last year’s guest speaker was Jack Claypool who heads the Drug Free Communities grant and works out of Office of the President. Speakers for this year’s conference include Prosecutor Tony Kearns who will talk about narcotics in HC. Cyberbullying is a big focus of this year’s conference.
Town Hall Meeting (presented to parents and teens): Last year’s Town Hall Meeting was filled to maximum capacity. The event was held in the northern part of the county to include more Hunterdon residents than in the past. Tom Bill, a counselor at ESC School and a coach at Central, was an excellent speaker; his experiences make him relatable to both parents and teens.
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