Verona parents are banding together to ensure a safe, alcohol-free environment for their kids by joining up with the Safe Homes Program.

For the past 20 years, a group called Verona Cares has been recruiting parents to join the Safe Homes program by signing a pledge.

This year, with the help of the Verona Municipal Alliance Committee, the group is going online for the first time and even has a new logo designed by Verona High School Junior Maddie Boyle. 

“[Members of Verona Cares] were disturbed by the amount of underage drinking in our community and wanted to educate parents about the law,” said Suzanne Broullon, Chair of the Verona Municipal Alliance Committee in a letter to Patch. “It is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages to others under the age of 21.”

The group asks parents to sign an online pledge. If they signed one in 2008 or before, they are requested to sign the pledge again on the organization's new website.

By joining Safe Homes, parents pledge (1) to not allow unsupervised underage parties in their home; and (2) not serve alcohol to minors or allow underage drinking or drug use in their home or on their property.

The maximum penalty for serving alcohol to minors in New Jersey is a $1000 fine and 6 months in jail, said Broullon.

For minors, the 911 Lifeline Legislation provides immunity from prosecution if they call for help, stay with their friend and assist emergency personnel, she said.

“Together, as neighbors, friends and a community, we can support one another and help our children make better choices,” said Broullon.

Click here for more information on the Safe Homes program and to sign their pledge.