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Community -The Anti-Drug

Background & Mission Statement 
Community - The Anti-Drug Coalition (CTAD) is an expansion of Parents The Anti-Drug (PTAD) coalition which was established in 2009. Building upon PTAD's initial work of addressing parents as a key factor in youth substance abuse prevention, CTAD's focus has shifted to emphasize the entire community's role as it relates to youth prevention and education of alcohol and drug use. 

CTAD has expanded membership to include strong community partners and operates under a broader mission to impact environmental change. CTAD represents the communities of Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods. The Board of Directors and members are mayors, school board elected officials, city/village managers, school superintendents, principals, community faith leaders, social service experts, parents, youth and others. 

Take Time to Talk 

  • Work collaboratively with parents, teens, local government officials, school officials, clergy members and health providers
  • Provide consistent and pervasive messages containing Illinois Youth Survey data (collected from teens in our communities), health facts, parent and teen tips, information about consequences and resource information for adults and teens in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods
  • Employ a variety of communication strategies to convey our messages to our communities, including email, signage and other print materials, print media, cable television and public presentations


Taking the time to talk (adult to adult, adult to teen, and teen to teen) about alcohol and drug use will: 

  • Create a more informed adult and teen citizenry
  • Increase communication among parents and children
  • Result in less consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among teens in our communities

 
Social Host Violation Policy
Prom, graduation, and other school and life events are important milestones in young people’s lives and cause for celebration. The Highland Park Police Department wants parents to know that providing alcohol to teens at parties or gatherings can be costly for everyone involved. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol. The Highland Park Police Department has a “zero tolerance” policy for violations regrading underage alcohol possession/consumption or hosting events that contribute to these offenses. 

Here are the facts: 

  • Parents who provide alcohol for teenagers, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
  • Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be criminally prosecuted.
  • Parents can be sued civilly if they provide alcohol to anyone under 21 and that person in turn injures someone, hurts themselves or damages property.


Underage use of alcohol is a serious social and public health issue that too often leads to harmful and even tragic consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children: 

  • Provide safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season;
  • Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow them to drink in your home or on your property;
  • Be at home when your teenager has a party;
  • Be vigilant and make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home. Water bottles have become a favorite means of transporting alcohol;
  • Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events; and
  • Report underage drinking to the Highland Park Police Department at 847.432.7730.


Contact Information
For more information on Community-The Anti-Drug, please email community.theantidrug@gmail.com.

Resources