| Staunton Police Department |
| D.A.R.E |
| The D.A.R.E. Program, an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, started in Staunton’s schools in December of 1994. Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, the successful program is now used in 80 percent of our nation’s school districts and more than 52 countries around the world. The 17 week program is taught to children in the fifth grade at two Staunton schools. Police officers are a natural choice to teach the D.A.R. E. Program. Law enforcement training and experience on the job give them the background needed to answer sophisticated questions asked by students about drugs and crime. Besides the drug awareness and positive alternatives to destructive behavior, the D.A.R.E. program works on building a positive relationship between the police department and the community. Parents and teachers appreciate young people acquiring the skills to avoid big mistakes in their lives. Funding for D.A.R.E. comes from the schools, the city and private donations. Donations are accepted at the Clerk's Office in City Hall. The D.A.R.E. training overview tells instructors, helps children to function as responsible, sharing members of a group and to participate in cooperative problem solving a key factor in helping students meet their need for affection, recognition, respect and feeling of self-worth. D.A.R.E. has been praised by three presidential administrations, governors, members of Congress, and state legislators. Since 1988, one day each year has been declared National D.A.R.E. Day by Presidential Proclamation. In his National D.A.R.E. Day Proclamation on April 13, 2000, President Clinton told the nation, Peer pressure to abuse drugs and alcohol; negative influences in films, music, television, and videos; school violence; gang activities; fear and low self- esteem — any or all of these pressures can lead young people to make unwise choices that can jeopardize their future and even their lives. Since 1983, however, there has been a strong positive influence in the lives of America’s children that is helping them to navigate safely through these dangers and uncertainties: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.). Kids and adults can enjoy games and activities by visiting the official D.A.R.E. web site. |
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