2021 COMBAT Funding: $150,000.00

In Blue Springs Police Department's Own Words

Collaborative efforts among law Enforcement, Education and Prevention Science have distinguished the D.A.R.E program. D.A.R.E.'s keepin' it REAL Elementary Curriculum this commitment to provide cutting-edge instruction that prevents drug use by developing basic or core skills needed for safe and responsible choices. These skills extend beyond drugs to health and mature choices in life. Developing core academic and life skills, the curriculum furthers both educational and prevention goals. 

Keepin' It REAL

The D.A.R.E.'s keepin' it REAL Elementary Curriculum is designed based on the Socio-Emotional Learning Theory (SEL) SEL identifies fundamental, basic skills and developmental processes needed for health Development including: 

• Self Awareness
• Responsible decision making
• understanding others
• Relationship and Communication skills
• Handling responsibility and challenges 

Risks & Consequences

The curriculum uses this theory to teach youth to control their impulses and think about risks and consequences resulting in more responsible choices. We believed that if you can teach youth to make safe and responsible decisions, this guides them to healthy choices not only about drugs but across all parts of their lives. As they grow to be responsible citizens, the they will lead healthier and more productive drug-free lives. 

Additional Lessons Being Taught

Blue Springs Police Departments DARE officers provide additional lessons on prescriptions and over the counter medications as well as how to read medication warnings and labels.

The K-9 officer and K-9 are included in a DARE lesson during a school presentation on how they work to assist the Police Department fight crime.

DARE officers present extra lessons on dealing with suicide issues, teaching additional coping skills along with identifying a trusted adult and how to ask for help.

DARE officers have been additionally trained to recognize at risk  youth. DARE Officers work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to identify students having problems related to bullying, problems at home, parents dealing with substance/alcohol abuse issues. 

Together with the DARE officer, a referral to the Community and Youth Outreach (CYOU) can be made and the family can receive additional resources or services. CYOU has two licensed counselors that work closely with the DARE officers. The DARE officer is the bridge for early intervention  providing help to children and families. DARE hosts a celebratory graduation which seals the importance of the program and celebrates their hard work. Parents are in attendance along with Mayor, City Council members, and Chief of Police. 

Diversionary Program

DARE officers continue to be utilized within CYOU, providing a psycho-educational intervention on a diversionary program with Family Court. DARE officers participate in many intake sessions with the counselors to provide information to counselors and guardians. DARE officers provide instruction during community service days, requiring youth to assist the city and school district as a service project. DARE officers instruct on further information on Cyber bullying/safety, parenting support, impulse control, and vaping, working with children to identity and report child abuse/neglect along with sexual assulst, school attendance and truancy issues. DARE officers are embedded within the community representing safety, guidance, and assistance. 

Girls On Fire Program

Additionally, the DARE officers are responsible for implementing, planning, budgeting and scheduling the Girls On Fire program during the summer months. Girls On Fire Community and Youth Outreach Unit honors young girls and empowers them to reach their fullest potential.

Girls On Fire is youth-centered, community-focused. it teaches respect, compassion an diversity, and helps girls develop their mental, emotional and physical self. Girls on Fire is a free summer camp for girls 6th grade and older, for residents or students of the Blue Springs School District. It addresses the unique set of challenges facing young girls through a series of interactive presentations.

Girls will be introduced to concepts that will enhance confidence, self motivation, and preparation to succeed at the next level in school or life. The presentations given at Girls On Fire include:

• self defense
• first aid and CPR
• community service
• suicide prevention
• human trafficking
• body image
• nutrition and wellness
• social media
• healthy relationships
• improved social skills
• cyber bullying and internet crimes
• bluespringsgov.com/girlsonfir