The majority of parents report that they believe they have an important role in shaping adolescents' values and behaviours in relation to drinking, but they also report that they need more support in this area. Education, welfare, health, youth and other professionals have an important role in providing services to young people and/or their families and have significant opportunities to provide information and support to families in relation to alcohol use. This article provides a framework for practitioners to use when assisting families to develop strategies to reduce young peoples' exposure to risky situations and subsequent alcohol-related harm.