After-Prom Parties

by Susan Crites Price

Hiring a Limo
Some families pool funds to hire a limousine to drive their teens to dinner, the prom, and the after-prom party. Don't leave the hiring to your teen. Make the arrangements yourself and specify that the driver is to make no stops other than those you've pre-authorized.

Ask what measures the drivers take to prevent the limousine from becoming a place for kids to drink. Some drivers require that kids' bags be placed in the trunk, for example.

Renting Hotel Rooms
Some proms are held at hotels. It's not uncommon for teens to use private suites in the hotel for after-prom parties. In general, hotels don't rent to minors so they need a parent's involvement.

A parent whose credit card is used is liable for damages which can be considerable if a party gets out of hand. Don't let your child attend a hotel party unless you know and trust the chaperones or are chaperoning yourself.

Pre-Prom Resources

• The Virginia Department of Education has a detailed manual, "Celebrate Life," to help parents plan school-wide parties for prom or graduation night. It's free to Virginians and available to others for $5. A videotape is available for $15. Either can be ordered by mail or fax from Arlene Cundiff, Safe & Drug-Free Schools Program, Virginia Department of Education, P.O.Box 2120, Richmond, VA, 23218-2120 (Fax: 804-786-9769).
  
• Project Prom is run by moms in Maryland who are willing to give advice on organizing school-wide parties. Leave them a message at 301-515-7100.
  
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  
• Prom Promise, a peer-pressure program that encourages students to sign pledges not to use alcohol or drugs, is used in 3,700 high schools. To obtain a copy of the pledge and learn how your school can participate, call 800-211-7766.