One thing about the school of experience is that it will repeat the lesson if you flunk the first time. - Anonymous

Instead of punishing adolescents with fines or community service, the First Time Offender Program offers youths and their families a chance to develop new skills for dealing with the contemporary pressures of adolescence. This program is designed for youth experiencing legal or behavioral difficulties. They are assessed according to their needs, and if appropriate, enrolled in the Positive Adolescent Social Skills class. Both the youth and at least one parent attend the class to increase effectiveness.

During the six, 2-hour sessions, we seek to help both youth and parent by maintaining healthy family structures. Topics include: 1) Understanding personality differences, 2) Improving communication skills, 3) Controlling impulses and managing anger, 4) Drug and Alcohol education, 5) Development of problem-solving and decision-making techniques. After completing the classes, adolescents are empowered with skills to keep them away from further involvement with the legal system.

Annual Outcome Numbers
86 Clients Served
58 Clients completed PASS training
10% of referred clients were inappropriate or refused services.