Youth Programming

Youth Programming
Back-to-School Safety Jeopardy

District Attorney Ryan teaches young children, grades K-5, about the best ways to stay safe during the school year.  Topics discussed include safety related to riding the school bus, walking to school, bicycling to school, playing outdoors and bullying.  Students then play a game of Jeopardy to review the topics.

Cut It Out Middlesex

The intimate nature of cosmetology work puts hairstylists, estheticians and other salon professionals in the unique position to observe signs of abuse and serve as confidants for their clients.  Modeled after the national Cut It Out training program, Cut It Out Middlesex aims to raise awareness around the issue of domestic violence at the earliest stage of students’ professional development.  District Attorney Ryan teaches students from vocational high schools how to spot signs of domestic violence and how to safely refer clients to local community service providers.  A representative from the local police department and a community-based domestic violence advocate also provide additional information about resources that are available within the community.  

Through the service learning component of the program, students also offer cosmetology services and lunch to survivors of domestic violence. 

Internet Safety

What young people do online can have legal implications and lead to safety concerns in real life. District Attorney Ryan discusses the consequences of interacting with strangers online, sharing personal information, cyberbullying and sexting.  This program engages students about using technology responsibly and safely.  The program can be tailored for parent or student groups.

Post Prom & Graduation Donations

District Attorney Ryan provides grants from our drug forfeiture program to help to defray the costs of expenses for substance free post-prom or post-graduation events.

Summer Safety Jeopardy
 
Summer Safety Jeopardy

District Attorney Ryan teaches children, grades K-5, about the best ways to stay safe during the summer. Topics discussed include safety related to water, bicycles, fireworks, windows and cars. Students then play a game of Jeopardy to review the topics. 

Smart Choices Program

Good decision-making takes practice. As part of this program, District Attorney Ryan leads students, grades 6-9, in an exercise designed to help young people think critically about their decision-making and to encourage them to make healthy choices.  Students are provided with various scenarios and they analyze how they would handle each situation.  These scenarios involve topics such as cyberbullying, sexting and substance use.  Students’ responses lead to an engaging discussion in which they are encouraged to consider the possible consequences of their choices.

Social Host Liability

Prom and graduation season is a time of celebration for young people.  It is also a time when teens may engage in underage drinking.  In an effort to reduce the alcohol-related risks during this time, District Attorney Ryan educates parents about the social host law and the potential liabilities associated with hosting social gatherings with minors.