The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department is offering to educate youngsters on ways to protect themselves.

The police announced the RAD (Resist Aggression Defensively) for Kids program is starting up. RAD is a new take on a national program usually geared toward women.

Police say the self-defense training prepares people for many different types of situations. RAD for Kids takes the training further, dealing with issues such as schoolyard bullies and safety at home.

Parents and guardians interested in having children attend the class may call the sheriff’s department detective bureau at 535-6576. The age group for the class beginning Monday, Feb. 4, will be 5 to 7 years old. The sessions will take place in the training room of the new Elkhart County Corrections Complex in Elkhart.

A class for 8 to 12 year olds is being planned for later this year.

The sessions are taught by Detective Norma Alber and Training Cpl. Lon Smith, both of whom are certified RAD instructors. The RAD for Kids course is taught on five consecutive nights to maximize the effectiveness and keep children engaged.

More information about the self-defense training is available on the Internet at elkhartcountysheriff.com/selfdefense.html.