D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a collaborative program in which local law enforcement and local schools join together to educate students about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse and violence.  The D.A.R.E. curricula is designed to be delivered sequentially from grades K-12.  First developed in 1983, D.A.R.E. has undergone multiple revisions as research findings increased knowledge of effective substance abuse prevention among school-aged youth.

Nicholas R. DeMauro, Chairman and CEO
D.A.R.E. New Jersey, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization

D.A.R.E. New Jersey in collaboration with law enforcement, schools, parents, community and governmental agencies, will provide premier leadership, guidance, direction and program materials to D.A.R.E. Officers, parents and educators in delivering a comprehensive drug and violence prevention curriculum and supportive programs to the States youth and communities.

D.A.R.E. New Jersey will become the preeminent youth drug and violence prevention influence through its continuing educational programs and a strong collaboration with schools, law enforcement, community and government agencies.

More than 500,000 children in classrooms in 500 communities in all 21 counties in New Jersey will benefit from D.A.R.E. this year.  D.A.R.E. benefits an additional 10 million children in 51 countries.

The K-12 D.A.R.E. curricula have been improved and updated nine times since its inception.  Current lessons focus on:

• Strong "NO USE" message
• Immediate consequences
• Normative beliefs
• Consequential thinking (problem solving and conflict management)
• Self-management skills
• Voluntary commitment
• Credible presenter

• Character Education
• Protective factors-resiliency
• Interactive participatory learning
• Social resistance skills
• Violence Prevention
• Alternatives
• Role modeling
• Set curriculum and quality training

•  K-Grade 2 curriculum
• Grades 2-4 curriculum
• Grades 5-6 curriculum
• Junior High/Middle School curriculum
• High School
• Parent Training

D.A.R.E. +PLUS (Play and Learn Under Supervision) is an on-campus program offering middle school students safe, enjoyable, educational after-school activities.  D.A.R.E. + PLUS combines community volunteers with D.A.R.E. officers and school staff for the benefits of students on campus immediately after school.

The D.A.R.E. Parent Training is being introduced in communities throughout the United States.  It is designed to help parents talk with their children, complement in-class D.A.R.E. programs for students in grades K-12.  It is comprised of a series of five interactive lessons, delivered in time blocks convenient to the parents.

The local D.A.R.E. officer is also trained to be a D.A.R.E. School Resource Officer to offer technical and specialized services to local school districts to maintain safety with the D.A.R.E. program philosophy.

More than 1,900 local law enforcement officers are certified to teach the D.A.R.E. program.

D.A.R.E. New Jersey is not a government program although it has enjoyed administration support.  D.A.R.E. provides over two million dollars a year in support to programs throughout the State.  Funding consists of grants, special events and community co-venturing.

D.A.R.E. is reviewed annually by the D.A.R.E. Scientific Advisory Board, the D.A.R.E. America Law Enforcement Advisory Board, D.A.R.E. officers, and school and municipal administrators.  Research findings and increased knowledge of effective anti-drug, anti-violence and anti-substance abuse prevention is continually evaluated for incorporation into curricula. 

D.A.R.E. New Jersey, Inc. is a registered provider of Professional Development through the New Jersey Department of Education for New Jersey teachers.

For additional information, please contact D.A.R.E. New Jersey
(609) 860-6777