I can’t figure out what triggers such deep-seated fears, and have been stymied as to how to help her. So I was very glad to learn that my daughter’s intermediate school uses the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program—which sends police officers to area schools to bond with and mentor youth. In a few weeks, a female officer will talk to her class weekly about how to avoid peer pressure and not bully others into criminal activity. Most importantly, children learn to trust a police officer who becomes a constant in their lives one day a week for several months. Officers develop a rapport with these kids. They are plugged into this generation, and their guidance helps youth to steer clear of bad decisions that could have costly and life-altering consequences.
