NCJ Number
135884
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The results of a 1988 Underage Drinking conference held in the Police Academy in Tasmania are presented with reference to the "YAHOOS" depicted in "Gulliver's Travels."
Abstract
YAHOOS is an acronym for what often happens to juveniles who drink: youth, alcohol, happiness, oblivion, obituary, and sorrow. Seventy-two persons representing various governmental departments, agencies, service clubs, breweries, hotels, churches, youth workers, and youths participated in the discussion of the problem and its resolution. Currently in Tasmania the greatest problem is alcohol abuse, followed by unemployment and drugs. The government response includes several initiatives directed at tackling the problems of youth as well as the appointment of a Minister for Youth Affairs. Through the new youth policy, the Tasmanian government plans to take effective action against underage drinking through the Working Party, to implement the Kids n'Cops program, to appoint youth liaison officers with the police department, to introduce a police/school liaison officer scheme, and to establish youth, alcohol-free entertainment. Continuing education, a program on the danger of alcohol, the use of voluntary identification cards, and tougher penalties for underage drinking are also planned. In addition, a Youth Policy Council has been established to formulate policy, programs, and strategy for youth activity and employment. The police, government, and community working together as a team is the Tasmanian response to this juvenile, antisocial problem.