Worcester County Sheriff's Office

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D.A.R.E. Program

The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is a widely recognized substance abuse prevention program aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug use and violence. Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, California, by then-Police Chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District, D.A.R.E. has since grown into an international initiative with programs implemented in thousands of schools across the United States and in many other countries.

The program is delivered by Deputies who undergo specialized training to become D.A.R.E. instructors. These Deputies visit schools and deliver structured lessons to students, typically in elementary and middle schools. D.A.R.E. curriculum covers a variety of topics, including drug awareness, decision-making skills, peer pressure resistance, communication strategies, and self-esteem building.

One of the key features of D.A.R.E. is its interactive and participatory approach, which often involves role-playing exercises, group discussions, and other activities designed to engage students actively. Through these methods, D.A.R.E. aims to empower young people to make informed and responsible choices regarding drug use and to develop the skills necessary to resist negative influences.

Over the years, the D.A.R.E. program has evolved to address emerging challenges and trends in substance abuse and violence prevention.