Purpose Statement

To prevent unlawful and harmful youth behavior, while promoting sound decision making and forging positive relationships with law enforcement.

Needs Addressed

The G.R.E.A.T. and D.A.R.E. Curricula address some of the crucial issues the youth of Jackson County are facing: violence, drug/alcohol use and peer pressure.

Many youth don't have the communication tools or skills to avoid violent behavior. The youth are taught refusal and avoidance techniques. Youth need skills to handle conflict and relieve stress in a healthy, non-violent way. The students are taught conflict resolution skills, how to recognize stress in themselves and others; and they practice healthy ways to deal with conflict and stress.

Youth in Kansas City may have favorable attitudes about alcohol or drugs until they are taught about the harmful effects they have on the body. Students are taught resistance to negative peer pressure.

The consistent interaction (each week for several weeks) with the program's police officer increases the students resiliency.

Services

“Keepin' it REAL” (Science- and Evidence-based program established in 2013) 

Different lessons are facilitated by posters that give a brief introduction to safety topics; recognizing risk, emergencies and simple ways to respond. Introduce concepts such as understanding feelings, coping with anger and responding to hurtful behaviors.

This curricula is based on the Socio-Emotional Learning Theory, which identifies basic skills and processes needed for healthy youth development including self-awareness and management; responsible decision-making; understanding others; relationship and communication skills; and handling responsibilities and challenges. It teaches youth to control their impulses and think about risks and consequences, resulting in more responsible, safe and healthy choices. 

G.R.E.A.T. (Evidence-based program) - 4th Grade & 6th Grade

Offers a continuum of components for students and their families that focus on providing life skills to students to help them avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. These components include a 13-lesson middle school curriculum and family training. At the end of curriculum the students give a presentation regarding the identification and implementation of a community project. The groups are made by their teacher and options are given usually in google classroom.

After each presentation the officer-instructor offers positive feedback and ideas to improve and expand on their ideas.

Program includes preparing to transition to the 5th Grade

S.T.E.P. (Independence Police Department-created program)

1) Police Contacts-Interactions

2) Conflict Resolution

3) Social Media – Cyber Bullying & Sexting

4) Drugs, Alcohol & Vaping.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.