NCJ Number
249569
Date Published
January 2013
Length
2 pages
Annotation
After explaining the mission of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP's) Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) program, this paper discusses its military focus, overall achievements, resources, and sustainability.
Abstract
The EUDL program - which has been administered by the U.S. Justice Department's OJJDP for about 14 years - provides national leadership and resources intended to improve and support the enforcement of underage drinking laws by building collaborative partnerships. The program has been strengthened by funding science-based knowledge of effective strategies and ensuring their implementation in jurisdictions throughout the Nation. This effort is facilitated by the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center, which disseminates resources and training intended to reduce underage drinking. As part of its work, the EUDL program has focused on the reduction of underage drinking on military bases and surrounding communities, resulting in improved military readiness. This effort has included discretionary programs that focus on military collaboration with adjacent communities in reducing underage drinking. In its broader focus, EUDL has facilitated important policy changes that can potentially achieve lasting reductions in youth's access to alcoholic beverages. Ways in which EUDL resources have been used to support this effort are outlined. Awareness of the importance of the effective enforcement of underage-drinking laws has been promoted through publications, research, and other services that assist States and communities in their efforts to prevent underage drinking, with attention to evidence-based environmental approaches that can achieve long-term outcomes. Specific efforts are listed. Overall, the partnerships that have been fostered between law enforcement, the military, government agencies, and communities have helped create healthier environments for youth and safer communities.