Benefits of YSASP

Vermont’s Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP) is designed as a way to hold young people accountable for breaking the law against underage drinking, to educate them about the consequences and risk of alcohol, and to identify youth with potential substance abuse problems so they might receive treatment.

Benefits for youth include:

• Opportunity to learn about the consequences of drinking alcohol and using marijuana
• Connection to treatment for substance misuse if needed
• Avoiding the penalties of fine and driver’s license suspension

Benefits for parents and guardians include:

• Help in delivering the message about the risks of drinking alcohol and using marijuana
• Information and support on topic of underage substance use

Benefits for the community include:

• Cost-effective way to hold youth accountable without criminalizing their behavior
• Early identification and treatment of substance abuse promotes public safety and community health