Program areas at Naugatuck Youth Services
PREVENTION-Step Up Naugy(SUN), the Prevention Coalition for Naugatuck. SUN is made up of members of 12 community sectors: parents, law enforcement, healthcare, faith-based & civic organizations, business owners, substance abuse professionals, local & state government, educators, and media partners and utilizes the Strategic Prevention Framework to build a strong network of concerned citizens to prevent the use and abuse of alcohol and other substances, as well as other risky behaviors, by youth in Naugatuck. The coalition also hosts community awareness-raising events, alternative activities for teens, and is a regional leader and role model for substance use prevention initiatives.
LIFE SKILLS-provides opportunities to enhance young peoples' abilities to be successful at home, in school, and in life through a number of programs including a Youth Employment Program, afterschool and summer recreational groups and programs, and Peer Mentoring and Leadership Development programs. This year, 49 youth participated in the summer youth employment program where they received hands-on experience working in local businesses and received a paycheck. Peer Mentoring and Youth Leadership Programs positively impact mentors and mentees by creating a kinder, more positive culture in our community. This year high school girls facilitated groups with 4th graders to learn about healthy friendships and self-esteem.
DIVERSION-operation of the Juvenile Review Board (JRB) for Naugatuck. JRB was developed through a partnership with the Naugatuck Police Department in 2010, and continues to evolve to provide effective diversion from the juvenile justice system, as well as suppport for youth and their families in the community. Youth are most commonly referred to this diversion program as an alternative to arrest or court referral. A panel of volunteer representatives from several community partners works collaboratively with youth and their guardians to develop restorative agreements. This year, 88 youth and their families engaged with the JRB in the restorative process and received case management services.