Pubdate: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA) Copyright: 2002, MetroWest Daily News and Herald Interactive Advertising Contact: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619 Author: Melissa Beecher and Stacey Hart LOCAL POLICE SAY DARE WORTH KEEPING Many communities across the state may be looking for ways to support their DARE programs after funding was cut by acting Gov. Jane Swift last week. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program has been runin Wayland and Sudbury over the years. The nationwide, anti-drug program for children will no longer receive state funding since the House and Senate did not take up acting Gov. Jane Swift's veto of the money. Swift axed funds for this program and others in order to cut $355 million in state spending. The DARE state grant is $4.3 million a year. Wayland DARE Officer Jim Forti has been running the program and teaching students since DARE's launch in town eight years ago. Besides teaching classes, Forti holds office hours to talk to children and teenagers who have questions or concerns about issues in their lives. "This is an honest program that does more than just teach kids to say no to drugs. It teaches them life skills - tools that they can use," said Forti. "I just can't say enough about the program." According to police, the cuts in funding are disheartening, but not a total shock. "We saw fallout when grants were cut not to include full salaries for officers a few years back. I think that we will see even more when communities are trying to find ways to totally support the programs," said Forti. "The cuts take away flexibility and funding for the program," said Forti. "But it's next fiscal year that will be the test." Sudbury DARE Officer Ronald "Rocky" Conrado said it is too early to know what will happen with the program in town. "We're hoping not to end it. We're hoping to keep it going and we're going to do everything we can to keep it going," he said. DARE has been successful in Sudbury in the past, officials said. More than 350 students graduated from the program last year, all promising to "Just Say No" to drugs. "It doesn't mean so much this year because we do have some money that has carried over from last (year)," said Police Chief Bob Irving. "If the funding remains cut then we will be forced to seek alternative funding resources for part of the program." The alternatives to funding may place the cost of continuing DARE on the School Department, fund raising or, ultimately, parents. "This strain will be a test of each community's commitment to the program. The police departments are committed and the school departments are committed to find funding no matter what," said Forti. Conrado said he is unsure what alternatives might be available through the schools or other groups in Sudbury to help get the message of the program to children. "We're not sure. It's too early to tell," he said. "We're just trying to keep everything going." "I have always been a supporter of DARE," Irving said. "There may have been problems and changes made to the program, but any program where police officers interact with youth and warn against the danger of drugs - I feel that it is beneficial to all parties." According to Forti, each student who participates in the program receives a workbook, pencil, T-shirt, and upon successful completion, a certificate. The estimated cost per student is $6.50. With 200 youths participating in DARE this year, the funding for these items is $1,300. "That is a big chunk of change that will have to be found in other places," said Forti. "Last year we cut it (DARE budget) to barebones so we could keep it this year. It will be even more difficult next year." Funding the materials is not the only problem. Some communities that rely on the DARE grant may have to stop the program because they are unable to pay the overtime officers like Forti collect. "There will be problems in terms of budget strain. On my end, a certain amount of overtime is given because of the work I do with DARE, but I also work as Wayland's Youth Officer," said Forti. Forti receives about $4,000 annually for the work he does with elementary and middle school-aged children. "There is criticism that DARE doesn't work or that it is old or inadequate. The program has been modified over the years, and I have yet to see something better," said Forti. Before the funding cuts, Massachusetts officers attended certification courses to stay updated on new curriculum for the program. Forti has been a DARE-certified officer for nine years. "It's a shame because of the kids we have helped. One girl, who is more like a daughter to me, comes to my office at least once a week to talk about peer pressure and other struggles she has had as a non-user," said Forti. "Of the 200, if only the one stays off drugs, I feel that I have helped in some way." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth