Dare At-A-Glance
Description: D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, schools, parents, and community leaders. Its strength lies in the fact that it helps children learn and practice new skills that are supported by all facets of their community. The curricula are science-based and span K-12 grades with emphasis and reinforcement at vital transition years. As a result of a major national research study, D.A.R.E. is all new and gleams with the latest in prevention science and teaching techniques.
Founded: 1983 in Los Angeles, California.
Mission: D.A.R.E. provides children an opportunity to learn and practice new skills for resisting alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Outreach: Millions of U.S. children in all 50 states will benefit from D.A.R.E. this year. D.A.R.E. benefits an additional 10 million children in over 40 other countries. Additionally, all Department of Defense Schools and the U.S. Territories have D.A.R.E. programs in place.
Curricula: D.A.R.E. is science-based and provides a set of spiraling skills that students practice in highly interactive lessons. Current K-12 lessons focus on:
- Decision-making skills
- Understanding of risks
- Accurate normative awareness
- Understanding of how substances affect the brain and body
- Communication skills
- Refusal skills
- High self-efficacy
- Media literacy
The D.A.R.E. sequential curricula are comprised of the following:
- K-Grade 4 curriculum
- Grades 5/6 curriculum
- Junior High/Middle School curriculum
- High School curriculum
- D.A.R.E. Plus (after school program)
- Parent training/Community Education training
D.A.R.E. supplemental/specialized lessons cover the following topics:
- Rx – Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
- Gangs
- Bullying
- Internet Safety
- Meth for Senior High
- Role Model
D.A.R.E. parent/community lessons cover the following topics:
- Rx – Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
- Current Trends in Drug Use
- Methamphetamine and Your Community
- Inhalents
- Bullying
Officers: Since its inception more than 50,000 local and state law enforcement officers have been certified to teach the D.A.R.E. program in the United States.
Funding: D.A.R.E. America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. D.A.R.E. is not a government program although it has enjoyed Federal and State funding support. Since its inception, D.A.R.E. America, a non-profit organization, provides funding for D.A.R.E. student educational materials and instructors’ training.
Review: The D.A.R.E. Scientific Advisory Board, the D.A.R.E. National Education Advisory Board, the D.A.R.E. America Executive Law Enforcement Advisory Board, Youth Advisory Board, D.A.R.E. Officers and school administrators review our program annually. Research findings and innovations in effective substance abuse prevention education are continually evaluated for incorporation into curricula.
Website: www.dare.com