Pubdate: Tue, 12 Feb 2002
Source: Fort Saskatchewan Record, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Fort Saskatchewan Record
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/fortsask/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/824
Author: Liz Nayowski
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

FORT'S DARE PROGRAM NOT IN JEOPARDY

While several schools in Strathcona County have lost DARE, the program is 
very much alive and thriving in the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment area. 
"It's a viable program that receives extremely positive feedback," says 
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Staff Sgt. Nick Taylor of the Drug Abuse Resistance 
Education program which has existed in the Fort since 1996.

Sherwood Park RCMP announced plans last week to drop the program in several 
schools due to the lack of manpower funding. In that municipality, DARE is 
funded by the police department and too often officers have had to instruct 
on their days off as they're needed elsewhere when on shift.

Fort Saskatchewan is fortunate in that DARE has been financially supported 
by corporate sponsors.

"We're thankful to Dow and for the assistance of the Fort Saskatchewan 
Elks," comments Taylor, adding there has also been donations through the 
years from other organizations in the community.

All grade six students in Fort Saskatchewan and the detachment area as well 
as the northeast part of Strathcona County that is now policed by Sherwood 
Park, receive DARE.

Fort students in grades 7 and 10 also receive age-appropriate instruction. 
Fort Saskatchewan has blazed the trail in offering DARE at the various age 
levels, always one of the first communities in Canada to do so.

In total, the detachment has six officers who share the duties of DARE 
instruction.

As well as lessons in drug awareness, DARE teaches young people life skills 
and hopefully, the ability to make the right choices when faced with 
difficult decisions.

The program addresses issues such as violence, anger management, media 
influence, and peer pressure.

Taylor is also grateful to the City of Fort Saskatchewan and council for 
providing one full police position for the DARE program.

"Thanks to their wisdom and commitment to a caring community, they said 
'yes' when I requested a position," he comments.

DARE is well-received in the schools with Fort High now offering two 
credits to grade 10 students who successfully complete the program, notes 
Taylor. A survey of high school students, he says, indicates the program is 
viewed as beneficial.

"The youth representative on the city's policing committee also speaks 
highly of the program," adds Taylor.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager