Court Ordered Parenting Programs

The agency provides youth services in Los Angeles County. Services include a school-based youth gang prevention curriculum for 4th and 6th grades, a court approved parent education program, an extensive graffiti abatement program, a bulky items pick up program, community beautification, job training and development, case management, and outreach and referral services. Services are provided at various schools and community sites. Age, grade and geographic restrictions apply for some programs.

GAP (Gang Alternatives Program) offers two parent education programs: one for parents of younger children and one for parents of teens. Loving Solutions is a 10 week, court approved parenting program geared for parents of 5 to 10 years old. This program is designed to reduce conflicts in the home over chores, homework, bedtimes, and other issues. Parents are empowered with techniques to reinforce positive behavior, express love and affection, and use time outs effectively.

The Parent Project is a 10 week, court approved curriculum for parents of at risk youth and parents who want to improve their relationship with their children. Led by trained GAP employees, lessons are designed to help parents change their child's behavior from destructive behavior to positive social interaction. Some issues addressed include truancy, disrespect, chores, gangs, alcohol and drug use, academic performance, friends, parties, and fighting. Parents share parenting strategies, learn to set appropriate limits, and act as a support group for each other. The program uses feedback forms at the end of each lesson to evaluate the understanding of the lesson's goals and objectives.

GAP has teamed up with the Office of Community Beautification, which established the Educational Outreach Program funded by the City of Los Angeles Public Works. A 30 minute assembly style program for 4th and 5th grade students is available at no cost to the schools. The anti-graffiti assembly consists of a Power Point presentation, music, and discussion on gangs, graffiti, vandalism, and the consequences of risky behavior. Students receive pencils, rulers, magnets, a workbook, and a brochure to take home.