Crime and Safety:
Youth/Parents/Schools > Smart Choices, Better Chances
The "Smart Choices, Better Chances" law education program is designed to help young people understand the criminal laws in Arkansas and the consequences for violating them. The program is founded on the premise that young people must have a better understanding of the criminal justice system in order for laws to have their intended deterrent effect on criminal juvenile behavior. In an effort to educate the young people in Arkansas about these issues, the Arkansas Attorney General's office researched the criminal justice system and worked with educators, attorneys, state legislators, and law enforcement agencies to prepare a law education curriculum. The resulting program is one that not only teaches the law, but also captures a student's attention in order to explain difficult concepts.
Because this is a prevention program, the format of the curriculum and the highest level of concentration and time is geared toward the elementary students, but components and outlines are available to meet the needs of the junior & senior high students, educators, parents, and citizens as well. Through the help of volunteers and with the continued support from citizens and agencies throughout the state, it is anticipated that the "Smart Choices" law education program can soon be offered to every student in Arkansas. By providing so many young people with valuable information about laws, crime and consequences, it is hoped that the state of Arkansas will be able to make new strides in reducing the rate of juvenile crime.
