Program Descriptions

Bullying / Harrassment
Presentations include defining bullying / harassment, and the various forms, including cyberbullying.  Students engage in discussion of real life scenarios, as well as review actual court case examples.  District Attorney Early’s Office also provides students with tips on how to recognize and resolve these situations.

Consequences of Your Actions
Lectures focus on laws that apply to the students and the situations they face everyday.  Massachusetts state laws that affect students are considered and discussed in the context of school conduct codes and student handbook rules.  Discussion concerning the role of the District Attorney and the Court process, in the adult and juvenile systems context, is also provided.

Court System
Staff members will present an overview of the criminal justice system from arrest, arraignment, bail hearing, jury trial and sentencing. This program is presented in conjunction with history, civics, and law classes.  This workshop also includes a discussion of the appellate process, the differences between juvenile and adult court, civil cases, and the impact of having a criminal record.  Constitutional law issues are addressed upon request.

Distracted Driving - Safety on the Road
An alarming statistic is that the odds of being involved in a crash or near crash are double when drivers are inattentive and look away from the road for 2 seconds or longer. To raise awareness of the serious consequences of distracted driving practices, and to provide some valuable do’s and don’ts, workshops are offered to high school students, as well as to parents and teens enrolled in Driver’s Education Programs.  The dangers of distracted driving are discussed, along with the applicable criminal laws that may be violated, and the potential sanctions by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.  Recent distracted driving tragedies are also discussed.  When time permits, a DVD of a teen involved in a motor vehicle fatality while texting may be utilized. 

Drugs and Alcohol
The main goal is to discuss the adverse consequences of alcohol and drug use.  The presentation informs students about Massachusetts state laws that govern drugs and alcohol.  Current trends and myths are also covered in these lectures. 

Internet / Cyber Safety
The presentation is tailored to parents or student groups and will inform participants of current issues children encounter when using the Internet and cell phones.  Family Internet safety tips are provided. 

Infant Crying & Soothing; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention
This presentation addresses one of the most serious forms of child abuse.  Shaken Baby Syndrome (aka Traumatic Brain Injury) is the term used to describe the signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant.  Approximately 20% of cases are fatal in the first few days after injury and the majority of the survivors are left with permanent disabilities, such as mental and developmental retardation, paralysis and blindness.  The presentation lets the audience understand the dangers of violent shaking of a baby and the damage it can cause.  Also discussed are past criminal cases and the consequences for the perpetrator.

Mandated Reporting Training
Staff members conduct workshops on how to effectively file a 51A report of child abuse and neglect with the Department of Social Services.  Emphasis is made on recognizing potential signs and symptoms of abuse.  Attendees learn how to interact with a child who makes a disclosure and properly document the information.  Child abuse laws are discussed.  The new procedures addressing First Complaint witness are also addressed.   

Mock Trial
We bring the realities of the criminal justice system to your school or community group teaching youth about the legal consequences of poor decision-making.  Assistant District Attorneys conduct a mock trial on a topic that impacts youth, such as cyber bullying, operating under the influence, motor vehicle homicide, and dating violence.  Students play the roles of jurors, defendant, clerk, court officer, witnesses, and sometimes attorneys.   Depending on the needs of the group, staff will give students an overview of the court system and prepare them prior to the mock trial date.

Social Host Liability Workshop
Underage drinking is a serious public safety concern affecting all citizens.  This workshop outlines the applicable laws relative to underage drinking and the serious legal consequences of allowing a minor to consume alcohol.  The term “Social Host” is defined and various closed cases are discussed.  Allowing minors to drink alcohol has resulted in preventable tragedies.  This workshop is offered to parents, students, and professionals who work with youth. 

Teen Dating / Domestic Violence - Safe & Healthy Relationships
Staff members conduct workshops for parents, teenagers, and educators about the warning signs and symptoms of an unhealthy relationship.  The workshops include a discussion of domestic violence laws, including who qualifies for and how to obtain a restraining order, and ways to seek assistance and resources to help keep teens safe.