YOUTH INTERVENTION PROGRAM
While the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program focuses on a large group of youth at one time, the Youth Intervention Program (Y.I.P.) provides an up close and personal experience with youth 10- 17 years of age.
The Y.I.P started in 2010, when a mother of a 14-year-old reached out to the Sheriff’s Office for help with her troubled teen. The Community Outreach Unit, spent a day showing the teen how the justice system works, explained the consequences of negative behavior and gave a one on one tour of the jail. The inmates spoke with the troubled teen about their journey and how their own negative decision cost them their freedom.
The Youth Intervention Program (Y.I.P.) was established to help teens understand the values that are important for leading successful lives: family, responsibility, honesty, trust and respect. The Youth Intervention Program is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month and is limited to 25 students per session. Approximately, 2,000 youths have participated in the program. The Youth Intervention Program was featured on the A&E network Beyond Scared Straight, for all five seasons with six episodes.
Parents can learn by calling the Community Outreach Unit.