Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

The agency provides youth services for adolescents, age 12 to 18 and their families who live in the unincorporated area of Alhambra, City Terrace, East Los Angeles, El Sereno, Highland Park and Lincoln Heights. Services include alternative education, case/care management, job search/placement, juvenile diversion, juvenile delinquency prevention, prejob guidance, recreational activities/sports and youth development.

The goal of the program is to assist young people who have been in trouble with law enforcement and/or school authorities or who are at risk to return to school or to prepare for employment and to find a positive direction for their lives. Services include individual, family and group counseling.

An alternative education program, in cooperation with LAUSD, is also provided, which includes individual tutoring, academic counseling, assistance to re-enter the public educational system, and vocational counseling; and employment counseling, job development, job placement, if appropriate. The agency provides occasional information about and referral to other community resources.

Services include case/care management for at risk families, case/care management for at risk youth, juvenile delinquency prevention, and youth development. Youth must 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. Intake is provided at the 4927 Huntington Dr., North location.

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.