NCJ Number
109688
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 494 Dated: (November 1987) Pages: 19-26
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Since 1968, Argus Community, Inc., a South Bronx community-based organization, has had a 70-percent success rate in reclaiming the lives of some of the most at-risk youth in New York City, including juvenile delinquents and drug abusers.
Abstract
Argus provides an alternative life program for adolescents and adults who have been heavily involved in the cycle of unemployment, underemployment, street hustling, welfare, substance abuse, crime, and prison. The youths served are all dropouts, and many have serious educational deficits. Argus begins by filling in emotional and parental gaps, through an extended family environment that restores trust and develops self-esteem. It moves young people through educational and vocational training to job programs and colleges as well as other avenues of personal growth. The program consists of the following steps: intake, orientation, a prevocational training phase, vocational training opportunities, and referral to subsidized or nonsubsidized jobs or college. In 1987, Argus was selected by the Greater New York Fund as one of six best-managed social welfare agencies in New York. Argus can be replicated by other communities, with funding from both the public and private sectors. 7 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)