Girl Scout Gold Award: Leandra Law Arrests and the Affect they have on the Children in the Car

I am a Nassau County Girl Scout and the name of my Gold Award Project is Bravery Buddy Baskets. The idea of Bravery Buddy Baskets was inspired by the increase in Leandra Law arrests due to DUI/DWI and the affect these arrests have on the children in the car. When an adult is arrested for DUI/DWI the child in the car is taken into custody until a family member can pick them up, leaving the child uncomfortable and scared. Bravery Buddy Baskets were left in Nassau County police precincts as well as the Emergency Room of Nassau University Medical Center. In the baskets there is a book, that I created, amongst other books and items to keep children occupied while at the precincts or hospital. The books were left to comfort any younger kids that have to wait at the precinct and feel uncomfortable. I also ran a workshop to educate younger Girl Scouts about the Leandra Law and how to become more aware of their surroundings when getting in a car with an adult. We also discussed the importance of not drinking underage and never getting into a car with someone who has been drinking. A Bravery Buddy Basket was left at the Nassau University Medical Center’s Emergency Room, as well, to comfort kids who are brought into the Pediatric Unit.

By: Marissa Cronin