NCJ Number
186632
Date Published
January 2001
Length
180 pages
Annotation
This loose-leaf manual explains the mission, program components, and organizational aspects of a juvenile drug education program called the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) and provides step-by-step instructions for establishing and operating such a program.
Abstract
DEFY is a preemptive drug prevention program and a catalyst for increasing community participation and commitment to youth. DEFY is a multi-phased 1 year program that helps children ages 9 to 12 years to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors related to drug abuse, school failure, delinquency, and violence. The program began as a special initiative by the Secretary of the Navy to improve the support provided to deployed sailors and marines and their families and to demonstrate the Navy's commitment to families and to encouraging a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. DEFY delivers leadership and life skills training by teaching team building, conflict resolution skills and techniques, age-appropriate goal setting, and self-confidence. It has four integrated components. These include a nonresidential or residential leadership training summer camp experience, a 10-month mentoring program during the school year, and a long-term effort to encourage parents and guardians to support their children's commitment to a positive and drug-free lifestyle. The fourth component consists of outplacement of the youth in a structured and community-based youth activity program to encourage their continuing engagement with the community. The first steps in becoming a DEFY site are to find a military partner and to designate a program coordinator and assistant coordinator. Other areas to address include agreements, local partners' program management responsibilities, program staff requirements, other resource requirements, planning, implementation, reporting, awards and recognition, policies, and public affairs. Detailed guidelines, checklists, figures, forms, handbooks for staff/mentors and parents/guardians, and appended adult certification module and administrative forms