Understanding the D.A.R.E. Program's Structure and Function
Author Information
Author(s): Merrill Jeffrey C, Pinsky Ilana, Killeya-Jones Ley A, Sloboda Zili, Dilascio Tracey
Primary Institution: Division of Addiction Psychiatry, UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Hypothesis
What are the organizational structure and function of the D.A.R.E. program?
Conclusion
The D.A.R.E. organization provides a framework for the rapid dissemination of evidence-based prevention strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- The D.A.R.E. program operates in more than 1,800 school districts with over 15,000 police officers.
- D.A.R.E. has been established nationally within a few years and internationally within a decade.
- Funding for substance abuse prevention is significantly lower than needed, with only 3.7¢ of every dollar spent on substance abuse going towards prevention.
Takeaway
D.A.R.E. is a program that helps kids learn about the dangers of drugs, and it connects schools with local police to teach these lessons.
Methodology
Data was collected through telephone surveys with 50 state D.A.R.E. coordinators and two major city coordinators.
Limitations
The study did not assess the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. curriculum or its impact on substance abuse.
Participant Demographics
Participants included state D.A.R.E. coordinators and local D.A.R.E. officers from various states.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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