The Steger Police Department DARE Officer conducts classes in all elementary schools in Steger. The goal of the program is to provide skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Today's child is subject to many stresses & is faced with many decisions long before coping & decision-making skills have been developed. Lacking these skills, a child can make unhealthy decisions under pressure from peers.
Teaching children the skills to say “NO” to alcohol, drugs & violence is the focus of D.A.R.E. The program was developed in 1983 as a joint venture of the Los Angeles Police Department & the Los Angeles Unified School District. The program provides coping skills necessary for managing the personal pressures which can lead to drug & alcohol experimentation, and/or violence.
The D.A.R.E. curriculum is based on research, which indicates that effective prevention instruction, must focus on providing accurate information, coping, decision-making skills, & positive alternatives to substance abuse. Scare tactics that teach only the harms of drugs are de-emphasized.
The unique feature of D.A.R.E. is the use of police officers as instructors. These officers receive intensive training, to enable them to effectively teach in the classroom. In the selection of officers, great emphasis is placed on human relations & communication skills. In addition, workshops are held for parents & teachers.
D.A.R.E. teaches basic life skills that enable students to make good decisions about anything they consider doing, not just drugs or violence. They develop skills in decision making, conflict resolution & risk assessment. It gives them a logical sequence to follow to solve common problems in a positive and effective way. The program builds interpersonal & communication skills, with children at the elementary school level. The program also teaches the student about their personal responsibility for the way they feel about themselves, and the importance of self-esteem.
D.A.R.E. lessons focus on four major areas:
• Providing accurate information about tobacco, alcohol & drugs
• Teach students decision-making skills
• Showing students how to resist peer pressure
• Giving students ideas for alternatives to drug use and violence.
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