Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

The program provides youth services in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Services include counseling, drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs in schools, presentations to community groups, recreational activities/sports, and educational publications. The program is provided in coordination with schools, PTA's, Neighborhood Watch groups and other community groups. Services are restricted to the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

Some stations are identified as Safe Youth Zones that offer safety to children who are running from a bully, away from home, or for victims of child sex trafficking.

In addition, the department sponsors the Youth Activity League (YAL) for youth, ages 6 to 18. The YAL provides athletic experiences such as team sports like baseball, basketball and flag football; individual sports such as boxing, karate, and tennis; and activities such as overnight camping experiences soap box racing and summer camps. Sports vary from station to station, depending on volunteers and youth interest.

The VIDA (Vital Intervention Directional Alternative) Program accepts referrals of at risk youth, ages 11 to 17 1/2, for juvenile diversion or juvenile delinquency prevention. Referrals are accepted from the courts, Probation Department, DCFS, school districts and parents. The youth are interviewed and assessed for suitability for the program which is a structured 16 week program targeted to youth with a moderate to high risk of offending or re-offending. The web site for the program is at https://vida.la

The VIDA program is an intervention and re-directional effort that includes home and school visits and an eight-hour Saturday component to intensively work on topics such as personal health, physical conditioning, substance abuse, life responsibilities, negative peer pressure, community stewardship, problem solving, and gender-sensitive issues. Family involvement is also important to help rebuild the youth's communication and understanding.