DARE To Be You (DTBY) is a multilevel, primary prevention program for children 2 to 5 years old and their families. It significantly lowers the risk of future substance abuse and other high-risk activities by dramatically improving parent and child protective factors in the areas of communication, problem solving, self-esteem, and family skills. Program interventions are designed to:

• Improve parents' sense of competence and satisfaction with being a parent 
• Provide parents with knowledge and understanding of appropriate child management strategies 
• Improve parents' and children's relationships with their families and peers 
• Boost children's developmental levels 

How It Works
DTBY should have a site sponsor—a key agency that works with families.While the site sponsor may vary with the needs of the community, it must be respected by the community. Sponsors may be Head Start or other preschool educational programs, schools, family centers or coalition groups. The program is delivered to families at a site convenient to the families in a location comfortable for families to attend. The program consists of three components including a:

• Family Component, which offers parent, youth, and family training and activities for teaching self-responsibility, personal and parenting efficacy, communication and social skills, and problem-solving and decision-making skills. It consists of an initial 12-week family workshop series (30 hours) and semiannual 12-hour reinforcing family workshops. (After-DTBY support groups are also recommended.) 
• School Component, which trains and supports teachers and child care providers who work with the target youth. 
• Community Component, which trains community members who interact with target families, health department, social services, family center personnel, probation, and counselors. 

Benefits

• Improved parental competence 
• Increased satisfaction with and positive attitude about being a parent 
• Adoption and use of nurturing family management strategies 
• Increased and appropriate use of limit setting 
• Substantial decreases in parental use of harsh punishment 
• Significant increases in child developmental levels