STAR/PAL’s Cops and Kids program is a ten-lesson curriculum designed for Middle School and High School students.  This program brings law enforcement officers, the mental health community and professional theater teaching artists inside the classroom to educate and assist students in developing the necessary tools to make positive life choices. This program also provides a forum where students can feel free to express themselves in a non-threatening environment to discuss the challenges and conflicts in their lives that include peer pressure, family abuse, eating disorders, low self-esteem and many more issues that our children face today. Because STAR/PAL traditionally focuses our resources on underserved and at-risk youth in the community, this program encompasses positive mentorship and guidance with police officers, professional mental health counseling, peer support and an introduction to theater as a conduit for them to express themselves. The Cops and Kids program allows youth to learn how to overcome the barriers they may face in life and learn their potential to succeed. Many youth in underserved communities do not fully understand their opportunities and potential to follow their dreams of higher education, ending destructive behavioral cycles and realizing their goals. This program gives them the tools, guidance and education needed to become successful and healthy adults.

The Cops and Kids program reaches 5 classrooms each with up to 35 students during a 12-week period. The following program goals and objectives are implemented and measured through youth participant surveys, group evaluations and parent conferences.

PROGRAM GOALS—

• To increase student awareness of the laws which govern our society including police procedures as well as citizen’s rights and responsibilities.

• To reduce the use of drugs and violence through education and self expression via the arts (i.e. drama, documentaries, music and dance.)

• To provide students with essential skills in managing their anger.

• If specific emotional needs of students are recognized, offer individual and family assistance.

• To generate career interest by the use of professional speakers from various occupations.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES--

After the ten lessons students will be able to:

• Identify the importance of laws and why certain laws only pertain to juveniles.

• Understand the guidelines that police officers must follow when making citizen contact and know their rights and responsibilities if ever contacted by officers.

• Understand the adverse affect that drug abuse and violence has on our community.

• Apply anger management skills in everyday life situations.

• Acknowledge that everyone has emotional needs and by maintaining good mental health is an essential part to human growth and development.

• Understand their potential to realize life goals and recognized the barriers they need to address to accomplish them.