New JCCV Policy on Youth and Alcohol
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria is proud to announce its new youth and alcohol policy.
Yavneh students with Eleanor Zettin the YAP drama facilitator running a session
The policy recognises that underage drinking is a problem within the Jewish community and calls upon parents and community groups to no longer tolerate underage drinking and role model responsible behaviours for their children.
President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), John Searle said the policy acknowledges that alcohol consumption in youth is problematic and on par with the general community and affirms government policy and initiatives. The policy also states that grape juice is often regarded as a viable alternative to alcohol for both minors and adults when celebrating Jewish festivities.
In a statement made today, Searle said “the policy recognises that the problem is particularly serious amongst our youth from ages 12 years and above, who engage in binge drinking and expose themselves to risk. The policy is not just ‘lip service’. We expect all Victorian Jewish Schools, youth related groups and organisations to participate in Alcohol Abuse Awareness Programs for their students and parent body.
Searle continued that “the policy calls upon all Jewish Parents to be appropriate and responsible role models in regards to alcohol use for their children. The policy also calls upon Jewish communal organisations and leaders to consider the need for alcohol at public or private events to model the responsible supply and use of alcohol.
The policy is an outcome of the JCCV Youth and Alcohol program (YAP) which is a collaborative Jewish Community Project including representatives from Jewish Care, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, The Jewish Psychologists Association, Chevra Hatzolah and the Council of Orthodox Synagogues Victoria.
