NCJ Number
164908
Journal
Juvenile Justice Digest Volume: 24 Issue: 19 Dated: (October 3, 1996) Pages: 2-5
Editor(s)
S Kernus
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The most popular and best known drug abuse education program in the United States, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), has received mixed reviews.
Abstract
Some researchers say DARE's core curriculum, taught to children in their last year of elementary school, does not stay with students as they get older. Others believe the DARE program works, especially if elementary school lessons are followed up with booster sessions. One study tracked students from elementary to high school and found few differences between DARE participants and those who received drug abuse education in school health classes. Another study observed that the DARE program was successful in getting police and community leaders more involved in drug abuse education. Still other studies concluded that 15 percent of students with no exposure to DARE fall into the high-risk category, that DARE has limited influence on adolescent drug use behavior, and that many students report the DARE program has no influence on their decision to use drugs. Officials in Spokane, Washington, no longer offer the DARE program in elementary school and instead use uniformed police officers to deliver a message that promotes self-esteem and clean living. Expected to cost about $150,000 a year less than the DARE program, Spokane's replacement program involves 30 police officers on a part-time basis who visit elementary school classrooms.