JCAB Programming
Service Project
When young people report for the Juvenile Services (JS) intake/assessment process, they may be assigned to supervised community-service hours. The number of hours depends on individual circumstances, but five is the minimum. The list of service projects is long but some examples are: zoo and park cleanings; clearing ditches of debris; and scanning documents. In addition, JS clients participate in the Trail of Lights project, and a fairly regular destination is the Golden Belt Humane Society. JS officials acknowledge that some youth may grumble a bit in the beginning but most improve their attitude along the way. The shift in attitude often results when participants discover they can learn new skills and take pride in a job well done.
New skills
By fulfilling their requirements and simultaneously supporting their community, young people learn about active listening, attention to detail, communication, compassion, patience, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and the importance of a good work ethic.
Three programs
JS programs that can lead to supervised community service are:
- Truancy Diversion entails 90 days.
- Immediate Intervention, also 90 days, focuses on youth with infractions such as alcohol and/or tobacco use, or fighting or bullying.
- Juvenile Intensive Probation lasts at least six months. This program is for higher-risk violent and non-violent offenders.