NCJ Number
121450
Date Published
1987
Length
200 pages
Annotation
This manual has been designed to give instructors step-by-step information in training volunteers for participation in the Youth Assistance program.
Abstract
Youth Assistance is a community-based juvenile diversion program designed to aid youths 7 through 16 who are displaying asocial or criminal behavior. An important aspect of the program is citizen involvement. A Community Action Council assists in volunteer recruitment, fund-raising, and increasing community awareness through a Speaker's Bureau. Volunteer citizens serve as mentors and also assist in collecting research data and tutoring. The objectives of volunteer training are to acquaint volunteers with the Youth Assistance Program's purpose, philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures; to help volunteers anticipate the kinds of experiences they will encounter and give them the tools they need to become effective volunteer counselors; and to acquaint the volunteers with the Juvenile Justice System. The sessions include orientation to the Youth Assistance Program, the role of the volunteer counselor, the shared decisionmaking process, communication skills, and information on substance abuse.