The Plainfield DARE program is a 20-week program to provide fifth grade students the tools to make proper decisions as they enter some of the most challenging years of adolescence. Plainfield’s DARE Program is taught by two full time DARE Officers. 

DARE uses a culturally grounded approach that acknowledges the importance of cultural differences and similarities in the effectiveness of communication strategies and norms surrounding substance use. The program focuses on bullying, cyber bullying, suicide prevention, domestic violence, the opioid epidemic, mass shooting awareness, and human trafficking. DARE teaches healthy decision-making skills through activities played with their peers that build muscle memory in how to respond in high peer-pressure situations. 

At the end of the school year, students put what they learned into practice with a school project and celebrate their accomplishments with a graduation party.  Each DARE graduate entering 6th-8th grade is invited to the DARE pool party every July.  The program is funded through by student fundraising efforts  which include prizes and a dance at the Police Department.