District Attorney Outreach Program From the Courtroom to the Classroom Helping Students Know the Law and Know Their Rights

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith Launches New Outreach Program for High School Students and Parents

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced the launch of a new Outreach Program aimed at high school students and their parents.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office—working in partnership with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, village and town police departments, Safe Against Violence, and local school districts—has created this initiative to increase awareness, education, and prevention around sexual assault and related sex crimes.

As part of the program, prosecutors and law enforcement officers will not only meet with parents to provide resources and information but will also visit schools to speak directly with high school students. These sessions will focus on educating young people about the law on sexual assault and sex crimes, the rights of victims, and the legal processes that follow. The goal is to empower students with knowledge, help them recognize unlawful conduct, and encourage timely reporting of offenses.

Assistant District Attorney Rachael Collins emphasized that this proactive approach would strengthen community safety, build trust with students and families, and reinforce the county’s commitment to protecting children and young people from sexual violence.

“Too many students don’t realize that what has happened to them—or to a friend—may in fact be a crime,” said ADA Collins. “We want young people to know the law, know their rights, and know that we are here to help.”

Program Highlights

• Separate educational sessions for girls, boys, and parents to address different needs and concerns.

• Presentations by Assistant District Attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officers, and Safe Against Violence staff, the same professionals who handle these cases in Delaware County courts.

• Coverage of key topics, including recognizing grooming and coercion, laws concerning internet use and the transmission of images, how and where to report abuse, and what to expect when a case enters the justice system.

• Resources for students and parents, including contact information and support services.

• Interactive discussions and small-group settings to allow for open dialogue and questions.

The program is grounded in research demonstrating that education and prevention initiatives reduce sexual violence and increase reporting. While New York State law (Erin’s Law) mandates prevention education through 8th grade, there is no requirement for high school programs—leaving older teens without critical knowledge. This initiative seeks to fill that gap.

“This program is different because it’s local and personal,” said District Attorney Smith. “Students and parents will meet the actual prosecutors and investigators who work these cases in our county. Building that trust and familiarity is key. These are some of the most serious cases we prosecute, and we want families to know we take them very seriously. This program is one more way we are working to make Delaware County safer for kids.”

Anticipated Benefits

• Stronger trust between students, parents, and the justice system.

• Increased reporting of abuse and stronger prosecutions.

• Empowerment of students to advocate for themselves and others.

• Greater recognition of boys as potential victims, reducing stigma.

• Safer communities through early education and prevention.

The pilot program will launch at select schools this year, with plans to expand county-wide following evaluation and feedback.

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County