Rapping With Youth After School. Positive after-school activities are an essential part of helping parents and communities raise healthy children. The Detroit Recreation Department offers after-school prevention programs which focus on social skills, cultural awareness, recreational activities and academic success. Funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health and administered by the Detroit Health Department's Bureau of Substance Abuse, RAP works with 400 3rd to 6th grade youth who are referred by school administrators and counselors. Through art projects, role-playing activities, discussions and field trips, youth learn about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.
RAP also provides a variety of recreation and sports activities as positive alternatives.
Parents are included in semi-annual meetings at which project goals and prevention strategies are discussed. By involving parents in the prevention process, RAP's prevention ideas can be reinforced at home. RAP is offered in four Detroit Recreation Department Centers, with transportation provided for students who need it. The Wayne State University Counselor Training Program assists RAP staff in leading the program.