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The Disaster Response Team has developed information to inform Gulf Coast residents about the most common crimes that occur after a disaster and how to avoid becoming a victim. These brochures are available at network member businesses.

Download Don't Be A Victim: Scam Prevention Checklist For Home Repairs (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: Scam Alert: Beware "Gifts" From Strangers (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: Charity Scam Prevention Checklist (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: Facts on Post-Hurricane Price Gouging (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: What to Do if You Think Your Identity Has Been Stolen (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: Prevent Insurance Problems (pdf file)

Download Don't Be A Victim: Scam Alert: Storm Damaged Autos & Boats (pdf file)

Misbehavior in school is sometimes a symptom of problems that need more than a law enforcement solution. Catching these problems early enough - and giving families the targeted assistance they need - can help divert an at-risk child from trouble.

The Helping Family Initiative is designed to offer early intervention for at-risk youth whose violation results in suspension, but not an arrest. Arrested students will continue to be processed through the juvenile court and probation system. The Initiative includes a wide range of community agencies and organizations to ensure that students attend school regularly and that schools are safer. Disruptive students and their families get the resources they need to solve problems that interfere with their child's education.

At-risk youth are targeted for services when they are suspended for committing "C", "D" or "E" violations of the Student Code of Conduct. These violations are serious acts that include a wide range of offenses such as bomb threats, assault, robbery, possessing or selling drugs or alcohol, and bringing a gun or switchblade to school.

Here's how the Helping Families Initiative works:

• Any student committing his or her first "C" violation will receive a warning letter from the Mobile County District Attorney's Office. The student's principal and the central office will be notified of the letter. The student and his or her family will be asked to view the "Live Your Freedom" video.
• On the second "C," or the first "D" or "E" violation, the suspended student and his or her parent(s) - as a requirement for readmission to school - must undergo an assessment and agree to participate in an intervention prescribed by the Helping Families Intervention Team. Team members are professionals from local law enforcement, education, juvenile justice, and community social service, health, mental health agencies. Students and families will watch the "Make The Right Choice" video.
• Failure of the student or parent to fully cooperate in the prescribed interventions, or subsequent "C," "D," or "E" violations may result in legal consequences as called for in Alabama laws governing student and parental actions and responsibilities.

Participation is not optional. Disruptive students interfere with the education of law-abiding classmates and erode school safety, and must be held accountable for their actions. If a child chooses to misbehave in school and is suspended, it is the parent's responsibility to help him or her correct that behavior and become reinstated in class. The Helping Families Initiative offers these families the resources of the community to help children to overcome barriers to success in school and in life.

Download Mobile County District Attorney Partners With Schools to Prevent Crime, Help Families (article from Aug/Sep 2005 Alabama School Boards Magazine)