Underage drinking and drug use remain a serious threat in local communities, and officials say Jared’s Law is putting more responsibility directly on adults.
The county’s social host law — named for a local teen killed in a drunk driving crash — makes it illegal for anyone 18 or older to provide alcohol or cannabis to minors. Penalties can include fines and even jail time.
“It holds adults accountable,” said Dawn Wilkin, director of prevention services at Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster. “Even though you may be 18 and not legally able to drink, if you provide to somebody younger, you’re still treated as an adult.”
Wilkin says the law is only as effective as the community that supports it.
“It really does depend on adults in the community to make the report,” she said. “Law enforcement will follow up.”
As cannabis becomes more widely accepted, Wilkin said young people are especially at risk.
“There’s this perception that because it’s legal, it’s fine,” she said. “It’s not the cannabis of the 1960s or ’70s — the strength is much stronger now. And if the perception of harm is low, use will increase.”
She also pushed back on the idea that teens are safer drinking or using at home, supervised by parents.
“You think you have control — but once substances are introduced, you are not going to be able to contain that situation,” she said. “And you cannot give someone else’s child a drink. Then you break the law.”
Wilkin stressed what science already shows: the brain is still developing well into a person’s mid-20s.
“The sooner you introduce substances, the larger the possibility that child will end up with an addiction,” she said.
Catholic Charities continues working with community partners and schools to reach both parents and youth before issues escalate. Outreach includes prevention education, resource guides and public awareness campaigns countywide.
“Parents and guardians are still the number one deterrent to any substance use,” Wilkin said. “You have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t rush it. Enjoy being young while you’re young.”
More information and support are available at cccsos.org or by calling 845-794-8080, extension 2531.
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