What can community coalitions do to lessen the impact of alcohol on the justice system?
A. Community coalitions and other advocates can do a number of things. In terms of the law, they can look at how their local ordinances related to alcohol issues match with their state laws. They can identify discrepancies and push for policy changes. Community coalitions can also work with their local courts to ensure that the courts have the necessary materials and resources available for people who enter their court in need of treatment for alcohol abuse disorders. For example, it’s important to determine what the court has available for parents who are about to have their parental rights terminated because they are abusing alcohol. Also, the courts are involved in a lot of cases involving children and youth, so it’s important that coalitions work closely with their local courts to ensure that the judges are taking the necessary actions to prevent youth from developing alcohol use disorders. There are strategies that have been proven to decrease the possibility of a child developing
