Examples of Programs and Intervention Models

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America

This serves as a prime example of an intervention model which is needed at the immediate sanctioning level. It is a federation of 500 youth-serving agencies that seek to provide support through a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult. The organization concentrates on connecting children who are from single-parent homes with an adult who commits to spending up to four hours per week, two to four times per month, with the youth for at least one year engaged in developmentally appropriate activities. Although individual agencies may customize their programs to fit specific needs, the integrity of the program is protected through a national infrastructure that oversees recruiting, screening, matching, and supervising so as to ensure a successful match between child and mentor.
 
National Youth Court Center

Youth courts (also called teen, peer, and student courts) are programs in which youth sentence their peers for minor delinquent and status offenses and other problem behaviors.  Youth courts can be administered by and operated within a variety of agencies within a community including law enforcement agencies, juvenile probation departments, juvenile courts, private nonprofit agencies, and schools. The National Youth Court Center (NYCC) and the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) serves as a central point of contact for youth court programs across the nation.

Boys and Girls Club of America

The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) promotes health, social skills development, education, character building, and leadership in youth, especially those at risk. Program delivery teams consist of local BGCA staff, representatives from the youths’ schools, the housing authority, resident councils of the local public housing developments, and parent leaders. Each week the program engages youth in structured activities designed to improve study habits, including writing activities, leisure reading, and homework assistance, as well as other informational activities.

To read about other innovative and exciting programs, click here.