Project Youth Outreach (PYO)
Guided growth activities are used as diversions and rewards for
youth at high risk. The program’s goals are to prevent incarceration
and court ordered commitment in training schools. PYO under NYPUM
has a long history of serving youth in Vance County. Program
services started in 1985 dealing only with males, but in 1991 were
fortunate to add a female component, that deals with a large
percentage of court involved clients.
PYO offers counseling sessions, which include conflict management
lessons. In addition, law related sessions are used to familiarize
youth with the justice system. Various program activities are geared
to promote academics and good citizenship. To be an active
participant the youth must stay in school and exhibit improved
behavior there, at home, and in the community.
Obstacles facing children in the world today have never been more
difficult. The American family is strained and quality education is
more difficult to achieve. Children today are constantly facing
issues such as violence, alcohol, drug abuse and neglect. Even at an
early age some children are victims of violence. PYO is effective at
keeping kids out of trouble with law enforcement and from training
school.
Vance County Community Service/Restitution
The Vance County Community Service/Restitution Program was
established in February 1985 under the auspices of the
Henderson-Vance Recreation Department. The primary goal of the
program is to provide a means whereby adjudicated delinquents can
demonstrate responsibility to compensate the community and/or
victims of crime. The Vance County Restitution Program serves youth
7 – 17 years of age who are involved in the court system. Juveniles
are court ordered to perform community service hours or earn
restitution funds to compensate crime victims.
Vance RESOLVE
Many adolescents are involved in inappropriate behaviors or
criminal activities because they lack basic social skills to develop
positive relations with family members. Since support of family
members is critical to help youth overcome anti-social behavior, the
RESOLVE program focuses on the family system. The purpose of the
program is to work with both parents and youth to strengthen the
supporting roles and communication within the family unit.
Responsibility
Education
Sensitivity
Opportunities
Limits
Vision
Enrichment
Conflict Mediation Classes
The Youth Services Staff offers conflict mediation classes to
elementary and middle school youth. By forming peer mediation
groups, conflicts can be addressed in non-violent ways thus making
Vance County Schools a sager place for students and staff.
Conflict Management Services
(Vance, Granville, Franklin, & Warren Counties)
Henderson-Vance Recreation Youth Services is sponsoring agency
for Conflict Management Services for court referred youth and their
families in four county area. Services offered include:
- RESOLVE: A Face to Face Conflict Resolution Curriculum for
Families
- Anger Management Classes
- Court Psychological Services (Diagnostic Testing)
Through these services, avenues to address placement can be
options for Judges and Juvenile Court Counselors, resulting in
reduced training school commitments and juvenile recidivism. Other
Human Service Agencies may contact Juvenile Services for a court
consultation for clients needing services.
Peer Mediation Training and Anger Management workshops are
offered to area schools. Student Training helps reduce school
suspensions and promotes a safer environment for school and
community.
For more information contact either Leon Robinson, Youth Services
Director, at (252) 431-6099 or Donna Stearns, Youth Services
Supervisor, at (252) 431-6092.
Friends Of Youth
Friends of Youth is a mentoring program
that aims to decrease delinquent behavior and increase socially
acceptable behavior for court involved and at risk youth, ages 7 –
17. Youth are matched with a positive role model (mentor) that
spends at least two hours per week with a matched youth. This
bonding process provides a protective factor and youth are more
inclined to adhere to the healthy standards held by mentor.
Additionally, mentors provide supplementary tutorial services for
youth to boost youth’s academic success. Positive school success
increases chances that youth will stay in school to further their
education.
Program Supervisor conducts training and support services through
individual consultation, volunteer mentor training/support groups
and structured events for mentor, youth and parents.
Referrals are accepted from Juvenile Court, Schools, Law Enforcement
and other Human Services Agencies. For more information, contact
Tandra Shepard, Youth Services Friends of Youth Supervisor at (252)
431-6090.
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