Tobacco--Addicting America's Children: A Judicial Response

• NCJ Number: 181891
• Author(s): Thomas Heydinger; Jerry Endres; Willie Edwards; Joey Binard; Iris Hart
• Date Published: July 1997
• Length: 22 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
• Sale Source: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Final draft

Annotation

This policy document contains guidelines that the members of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges can use when dealing with children who are using tobacco; the document outlines the need for such judicial influence and provides several suggestions or "standards" for judges regarding what they can do in their communities to effect a positive change.

Abstract

Following a history of the Tobacco Standards Project, which is sponsored by the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Committee of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, this report provides an overview of the impact of tobacco use on the health and economic costs of American communities. Emphasis is given to nicotine addiction as a children's disease that continues into adulthood. The unique role of judges in dealing with this problem is discussed. Noting that juvenile and family courts have an important community responsibility to protect the health and safety of children and families, this report presents 11 "standards" that form the basis for action by juvenile and family court judges. "Action Steps" are outlined for judges under each "standard." The "standards" are presented under the following topics: parent and family responsibility, community responsibility, and public policy and legislation. The three standards pertinent to parent and family responsibility urge judges to encourage parents not to permit or condone use of tobacco products by their children; educate children and families who come before them about the dangers of tobacco; and counsel family members to participate in the prevention, education, intervention, and cessation of tobacco use by their children. The four "standards" pertinent to community responsibility guide judges in providing support and leadership roles in the community in helping to create awareness and actions in which many community members can participate in preventing tobacco use by children and youth. The four "standards" that bear upon public policy and legislation guide judges in promoting collaboration that leads to policies that can affect the lives of more people in preventing and addressing nicotine addiction among children and youth. 48 notes