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Is the Louisiana DARE Program a Good Use of Scarce Tax Dollars?
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in Louisiana was recently audited by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The audit examines the program’s effectiveness and funding sources, shedding light on areas for potential improvement, the lack of quantifiable data, and the unique funding structure of the state’s initiative.
D.A.R.E. is a national youth substance abuse prevention program that uses local D.A.R.E. certified law enforcement officers in a community-based, public-relations style program to speak with K-12 students about the dangers of using drugs. It is funded by the state in the form of grants to local law enforcement agencies to hire officers, purchase equipment and supplies, and conduct the programming at local schools. For many years, local law enforcement agencies have actively participated in the program, visiting schools, highlighting their work through photo opps in local newspapers and social media, and driving the colorful D.A.R.E. police cars throughout their towns.
No one would dare to suggest that speaking to kids about the dangers of using drugs isn’t worthwhile, but is the effort working?
D.A.R.E., once widely implemented across the United States, has faced challenges over the years. Various federal studies, including those by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), have questioned its effectiveness. A 2003 study by the NIJ, for instance, found that there was no statistically significant long-term impact on drug use among students who participated in the program. Similarly, a report by the GAO in 2003 concluded that D.A.R.E. did not produce significant reductions in drug use among youth.
These findings contributed to the federal government’s decision to cease funding for D.A.R.E. in 1998, shifting focus towards programs with demonstrable outcomes. This policy change emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing youth drug prevention, and government programs in general.
Despite the cessation of federal funding, Louisiana has continued to financially support the D.A.R.E. program through a combination of state and local funding, where local funding is available to be matched or supplemented by the state legislature. The recent audit indicates that the program is primarily financed by cigarette taxes and fees collected from individuals convicted of drug-related offenses in the criminal justice system, including those in a treatment program. In fiscal year 2022, the state allocated approximately $1.2 million to the D.A.R.E. program, reflecting a commitment to maintaining this initiative even amid the research doubting its effectiveness.
The audit highlights that while the D.A.R.E. program is sufficiently funded, there is a need for more comprehensive data to evaluate its effectiveness. The report notes that current data collection methods are insufficient to fully assess the program’s impact on drug use among Louisiana’s youth. This underscores the importance of enhancing evaluation mechanisms to ensure that the program’s objectives are being met effectively. However, given the extensive research by the federal government and its decision to de-fund the program, there could be better alternatives for the use of this state funding.
Schools can, and should, teach students about healthy lifestyles and drug prevention in health or physical education classes, complementing efforts by families, civil society, churches, and nonprofit organizations which should continue taking the lead.
Going forward, policymakers in Louisiana should decide if the D.A.R.E. program is an efficient and effective use of the state’s scarce resources. No one likes paying more taxes, particularly to fund programs with questionable outcomes. And funding this program, in part, on the backs of those involved in the criminal justice system, who are among the poorest individuals in the state, does not help them get back on their feet. Louisiana, like all states, should concentrate its efforts on evidence-based programming that will significantly reduce drug use.
Louisiana’s commitment to combat youth drug use remains strong, and the insights gained from this audit provide a valuable framework for future improvements. By continually assessing and adapting its strategies, the state can better ensure that its resources are utilized effectively and that its youth receive the most beneficial education and prevention programs available.