CADE's 10 Prevention Specialists are expertly-trained to provide services for nearly 10,000 Philadelphia public school children at more than 30 sites, including elementary schools, middle schools, PAL centers, and community organizations. Beginning in Fall 2005, CADE now provides services in Montgomery County (within the Norristown School District); and in Fall 2006, CADE began delivering prevention programs in Camden, NJ, at the Rafael Cordero Molina School.

CADE differs from other drug-prevention programs in that it places trained prevention and education specialists who work five days a week in schools and community centers. A specialist may work in the same place for three to five years. CADE also starts teaching skills and self-esteem in kindergarten and reinforces its message with consistency throughout the school years.

During the school day, in after-school, and through summer programs, CADE offers children a place to turn for honest answers to difficult questions. Kids learn they can count on the guidance of a trusted adult, the CADE Prevention Specialist, to help them make better choices. Teachers, parents and community leaders count on CADE for reliable information, ideas for solving problems and guidance. CADE helps concerned adults work together with children to cope with and avoid the devastating impact of substance abuse and violence in their lives.