Youth Enrichment Programs

The program provides youth services for at-risk youth, ages 10 to 18, who live in selected school areas within the Los Angeles Unified District. Services include case management for at risk families, case management for at risk youth, juvenile delinquency prevention, and youth development. Youth may be referred by their school counselor, the Probation department, LAPD, a community-based organization or faith-based organization; and must reside in targeted school district areas.

The program is a safe place for middle and high school youth, in the high-risk area of Central Los Angeles. The program is designed to help students from surrounding middle schools and high schools in an attempt to increase their academic level by assisting them with homework and tutoring. The program also provides mentoring, educational field trips, sports, extra-curricular and recreational activities. The program provides each referred youth with a case manager. The case worker provides an assessment and works out an individualized education plan. The plan includes counseling, mentoring, tutorial services, after-school activities and enrichment. The family of the at risk youth also receives mandatory parenting skills development classes, and an opportunity for family counseling. The goal of the educational component is to hopefully improve the youth's grades, work habits and attendance in school. The program continues to interact with the youth and the family for four years. When the youth reach age 14 they are transitioned into pre-employment programs to prepare them for future careers and job opportunities.

The community-based service providers within the collaborative provide the prevention component of the program. The agencies provide after school activities, community activities and beautification programs, and work with parents, youth and other concerned residents to maintain safe and peaceful neighborhoods.