Before They Go

Know their plans for Leavers

• If your child is celebrating in the south west ensure they take photo ID with them so they can pick up their Leavers Wristband.
• Encourage your child to celebrate during the official Leavers period only which is Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd November 2023. This is the safest time for them to celebrate. The weekend prior to Leavers has in the past attracted “toolies” or troublemakers who cause problems for school leavers.
• Know how they will be getting to and from their destination, and how they intend to travel around once they arrive. Know where your leaver is staying – obtain the name, address and contact details of the accommodation venue.
• Obtain a copy of the accommodation contract and be familiar with the terms and conditions of the contract. Discuss these with your child.
• Encourage your child to work out a budget for their holiday.
• Ask your child who they are travelling/staying with.
• Read about the extra help involved in managing Leavers.
• Follow Leavers WA Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date. 

Know your responsibilities

• Do not provide your children with alcohol to take to Leavers. Even if your child is 18, a large number of Leavers are under 18 and all Leavers activities are alcohol-free. Leavers is a great time for your children to celebrate completing high school and a lot of agencies and volunteers work very hard to ensure leavers have a fun, safe experience without the need for alcohol consumption.
• Under the new Liquor Control Act juveniles are unable to possess alcohol in a public place. Opened or unopened alcohol will be confiscated by WA Police and juveniles fined $200. Adults who purchase liquor for juveniles are a significant problem for leavers and contribute to alcohol related harm, anti-social behaviour and offences such as sexual assault and violent crimes.
• Adults may also be breaking the law and can be fined a maximum of $2,000.
• Parents are reminded that research shows that young people who drink alcohol in an unsupervised manner consume alcohol at more harmful levels. History also shows juveniles will purchase additional alcohol, thus consuming much more alcohol than parents may be aware of.

Be comfortable

• Make sure you’re comfortable with the accommodation, travel arrangements and with whom your child is going away. Do this well before Leavers to ensure there are no last minute disagreements or misunderstandings.
• Let your child know they can contact you at any time while they are away if they have a problem, or need to come home.
• Be prepared for an emergency.
• Obtain the contact details of your child and the accommodation venue.
• Check that your child has your contact details and those of another next of kin at home.
• Inform your child that if they experience any problems, they should contact you, or the WA Police or any of the support services.

Talk about safety

• Discuss the dangers and consequences of binge drinking with your child.
• Illicit drugs aren’t often associated with Leavers. But it would be worthwhile knowing some of the risks associated with illicit drug use. For information about illegal drugs visit Drug Aware.
• See our Stay Safe Tips for Leavers and discuss these with your child before they go.