KIDS PROUD TO BE DRUG-FREE

Parents tend to spend a lot of time lecturing their kids about the dangers
of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, but in the Jensen home the tables have turned.

Mads Jensen has just graduated from the D.A.R.E. program at Brighouse
elementary.

The Grade 5 student is now riding his parents hard about the evils of
tobacco, drugs and alcohol laughs his mother.

"He's lecturing us a lot," said Mette Jensen.

In fact, that cigarette she had with a friend last summer has come back to
haunt her more than once.

"But it's a great program because it opens up the dialogue at home."

Richmond RCMP Supt. Ward Clapham was celebrating the students' graduation
from the D.A.R.E program with the announcement of his latest brainchild - a
lime green wristband that students and adults can wear to declare their
drug-free status.

"It sends a powerful, positive message," said Clapham. "What you're saying
to your kids and your community is that I want a drug-free life."

Clapham said there are moments in which peer pressure gets intense, but
there is also strength in numbers when it comes to resisting that pressure.

"If a kid is in a situation and they're feeling the pressure and they see
another kid or an adult with the wrist band, they can gravitate to that
person."

Mads adds that the D.A.R.E program not only teaches students about drugs.
"It also teaches you how to act with confidence."

Clapham is a tireless advocate of "positive policing" in regards to young
people. His officers hand out twice as many positive tickets than negative
ones, he said.

They may hand out a positive ticket (a movie pass or pizza coupon) when
they see a youth wearing his or her bike helmet or using the crosswalk, for
example.

Clapham's philosophy is based on the concept of "40 Developmental Assets,"
which has also been adopted by the city and the Richmond school district.
The theory is that there are 40 defined positive assets that enable a child
to live a healthy, productive life.

Some of those assets have to do with immediate family but many are
dependent on the community. A caring neighbourhood and a community that
values youth are two of those assets which enable a young person to live
drug-free.

"Eighty per cent of the carnage we have to clean up on the streets has to
do with drug and alcohol abuse," Clapham said.

He wants his police force to not just clean up the mess, but prevent it as
well.