Blog

Education Portal Offers Fresh Start for Incarcerated Youth in Oregon

By Avery Klein, July 01 2013

Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) offers incarcerated youth the opportunity to receive high school and college education while they serve time through Education Portal, a Mountain View, California based company.
Oregon is the first state in the nation to offer such services to teens involved with the juvenile justice system.
"When at-risk youth arrive at OYA, they are often years behind in high school, have learning disabilities, and have suffered from abuse and neglect,” states OYA Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We are deeply grateful to Education Portal for this partnership that offers kids a chance to make up for lost time and educational opportunities." Education Portal offers free high school and college courses to everyone. Services include:

Over 4,000 lessons ranging from college business, history and science courses as well as high school AP biology, math and physics
53 trained and experienced instructors
33 College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
Transferrable credits to almost 3,000 colleges and universities
Career help videos on resumes, interviewing and networking

Sarah Inman, Director of PR and Outreach explains that for incarcerated teens, “The three main barriers are a lack of basic college readiness skills, inability to afford college, and they don’t have access to college courses while incarcerated.”

Topics: education, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, Oregon

Social Media Could be Teen Suicide Prevention Tool; News Roundup

By David Backes, June 28 2013

Juvenile Justice Reform

A Look Inside Juvenile Justice Reforms (FremontTribune.com)
Report from Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman: "A few weeks ago, I signed into law one of the most important bills of the 2013 legislative session -- Legislative Bill 561 which is aimed at improving the juvenile justice system in our state. It shifts the supervision of all juvenile offenders in the community to the state’s probation system which reduces reliance on detention and focuses on rehabilitation for youth while keeping families involved."
When Is a Juvenile No Longer a Juvenile? (BostonMagazine.com)
When it comes to incarceration, Massachusetts has recognized 17 as the age of adulthood since 1846. Of course, anyone who has a 17-year-old might question that assumption, as have citizens in 38 states across the U.S. Even some states we think of as far more conservative than Massachusetts—Arizona, Alabama, and Mississippi, for example—send lawbreakers younger than 18 to juvenile instead of adult court.
Program Might Reduce Minorities in Juvenile Detention (Valparaiso Community News)
The city of Valpairiso, Indiana's Advisory Human Relations Council is exploring how to help reduce racial bias within the juvenile justice system. Tony McDonald, a Porter County juvenile probation officer and coordinator of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, spoke to City Council members at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday at City Hall.
Why Maine is a Leader in Juvenile Justice (BDN Maine)
The criminal justice system is often thought of as existing on a pendulum. Opinions about how the system should operate swing from one end of the spectrum to the other over time. In its early history, rehabilitation ruled the day in corrections. The prison was initially called a “penitentiary,” representing the idea that offenders would give penance, pray and leave a changed person. However, the pendulum swung the other way in the 1970s, when public sentiment moved toward the idea that offenders cannot be rehabilitated and punitive measures are best for society.

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, suicide prevention

Kudos: Leaders Invest in Boys and Men of Color

By Susan Richardson, June 27 2013

Stepha'N Quicksey Do you believe in investing in the future of young people? In Detroit last week, A Gathering of Leaders (policymakers, philanthropic foundations and others) made me proud by collaborating to improve life opportunities for boys and young men of color.
Please read a recap of the event in the Detroit Free Press guest commentary from Maisha E. Simmons of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Tonya Allen of the Skillman Foundation.

These leaders know what is at stake is no less than our future. We have to make a decision: Will we invest in our youth so they can build and strengthen our communities, or will we allow them to become further disconnected from communities that already lack needed education and employment opportunities?

Simmons and Allen also introduce Stepha'N Quicksy, a young man in Detroit who overcame a culture of drugs, alcohol and crime to graduate high school and set his sights on college. Quicksy gave back by becoming a mentor with the Neighborhood Service Organization’s Youth Initiative Project, one of the successful models that A Gathering of Leaders is working to spread.

The barriers that young men of color face on the path to leading healthy, fulfilling lives are stubbornly high. Too often, they live in communities struggling with violence and instability. Unless we begin to solve these interwoven challenges, the health and well-being of these young men will be undermined throughout their lives.

I hope you'll join me in committing to our young people. As Simmons and Allen call us to action in their commentary, "We have the power to transform the futures of our young men of color, but only if we make the right investments today to let their potential flourish."

Topics: No bio box

The Many Faces of Teacher Activism

By David Chura, June 26 2013

When I was recently asked if I thought teachers today needed to be activists I didn't hesitate in my answer. "Being a teacher, almost by definition, means being an activist."
That might come as a surprise to those teachers who have never wrote a letter to the editor, marched in a rally, retweeted a Diane Ravitch tweet, or "Occupied" anything but their classrooms. But I'm holding to my belief, as firmly as some teachers hold their protests signs declaring things like, "Let Teachers Teach" and "Protect Our Students": being an activist is an essential part of being a teacher.
For most teachers activism is an everyday thing because students and their needs are every day. There's a lot to watch out for in a classroom -- even on good days they are a moil of energy -- aside from whether a lesson is hitting home. A student who can't read the board because her family can't afford glasses. A cough that doesn't go away. A young boy who refuses to go to rec. because he gets picked on. A nasty bruise on the arm of the girl who doesn't meet your eye. The immigrant student struggling with a new culture and a new language. The issues are real -- poverty, neglect, abuse, poor health and nutrition, bullying, depression, low self-esteem -- and they are all a part of an average school day.
Good teachers don't complain, they just act, doing what needs doing to help their students learn. It may be a home visit, a talk with a school counselor, an offer to tutor after school, a walk around the playground at lunchtime, or a spare change collection in the teachers' room for eyeglasses. Some teachers (and it's a growing number) feel the need to address these concerns in a broader context, "taking to the streets" to confront such issues as health care, drugs, physical and sexual abuse, bullying, immigration, the current educational policy itself. But whatever teachers do, they take action, becoming activists for their students.

Topics: bullying, No bio box, schools

Opportunity Board Roundup: Juvenile Justice Grants, Jobs, Webinars and Events

By David Backes, June 25 2013

Below you'll find a selection of the latest grants, jobs, webinars and events posted to our Opportunity Board. Please share the Reclaiming Futures Opportunity Board with your colleagues in the juvenile justice, adolescent substance abuse and teen mental health areas. It's free to browse and post!
Grants

Grants for At-Risk Youth (Colorado)
The LibertyGives Foundation supports causes benefiting underprivileged and at-risk youth in Colorado, focused on proactive and preventative services. Previous grantees include The Denver Street School, the Tennyson Center for Children, Teach for America, and Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver. Multiple awards ranging from $1,000-150,000 will be granted to select applicants. Nonprofit organizations based in Colorado are eligible to apply.
Bullying Prevention
The Bullying Prevention Program is an initiative of New Jersey Child Assault Prevention for schools. The most effective prevention program for any school or district is one which involves the entire school community. As such, the program offers a series of workshops for staff, parents, and students to assess the specific nature of bullying in the school, to train adults in appropriate intervention strategies and to improve student interaction.
Street Outreach Program
The purpose of this funding is to support programs offering street-based services to runaway, homeless, and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual abuse, prostitution, or sexual exploitation. Approximately 56 grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded to select applicants. Nonprofit organizations, state, county and city governments, and independent school districts are eligible to apply.

Topics: Events, Grants, Jobs, No bio box, Opportunity Board, Webinars

New Research Finds Link Between Childhood Bullying and Adult Psychiatric Disorders

By Avery Klein, June 24 2013

Recently, professors at Duke University in North Carolina have published research that shows the link from childhood bullying to adult psychiatric disorders. “We were surprised at how profoundly bullying affects a person’s long-term functioning,” said William E. Copeland, PhD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University and lead author of the study.
Of the 1,420 youth studied, researchers found:

26% (421) reported being bullied at least once.
9.5% (200) acknowledged bullying others.

As adults, those exposed to childhood bullying experience:

Higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and panic disorders as well as generalized anxiety and agoraphobia among victims of bullying compared to non bullied youth.
Higher levels of all anxiety and depressive disorders among victims and bullies.
Highest levels of suicidal thoughts, generalized anxiety, depressive and panic disorders among youth who were both victims and bullies.
An increased risk of antisocial personality disorder among bullies.

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, bullying, No bio box

Washington One of Nation's 'Comeback States' on Juvenile Justice; News Roundup

By David Backes, June 21 2013

Juvenile Justice Reform

Accouncement: Website Launch
New website launches for Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), providing help for adolescents and families.
Washington One of Nation's 'Comeback States' on Juvenile Justice (King5.com)
Washington’s juvenile detention population dropped 40% between 2001 and 2010, according to a new report released Tuesday by the National Juvenile Justice Network. The analysis puts Washington among nine “comeback states” on the issue of juvenile justice.
Ted Cox has Faith in the Youth he Serves (Shreveporttimes.com)
Retired Army Reserve Col. Ted Cox arm wrestles an inmate at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Justice Complex, where he is the administrator. He regularly counsels the youth there.
Zero Tolerance and Juvenile Justice: A View from the Bench (Alaska Justice Forum)
"The factors that lead youth into juvenile crime are many and varied. Drugs, alcohol, and interpersonal violence are often cited as major contributors. However, in my estimation, one of the principal factors that may often precipitate a plunge into the juvenile justice system is the failure to maintain and succeed in school."

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Evidence-Based Practices, Juvenile Justice Reform, News, No bio box

Findings About Early Trauma: Rethinking How We Deliver Services

By Lori Howell, June 20 2013

Martha Davis, executive director of the Institute for Safe for Safe Families, and Kristin Schubert, team director at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, write about the history and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Neuroscientists have found that traumatic childhood events like abuse and neglect can create dangerous levels of stress and derail healthy brain development, putting young brains in permanent "fight or flight" mode. What scientists often refer to as "toxic stress" has damaging long-term effects on learning, behavior, and health. Very young children are especially vulnerable.
Last year, the Institute for Safe Families, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others, formed the Philadelphia Adverse Childhood Experiences Task Force to help local doctors and nurses, mental health counselors, and advocates recognize the symptoms of toxic stress and develop ways to protect children from its damaging effects. As a first step, the Task Force conducted a citywide survey of more than 1,700 residents to understand the prevalence of the problem.
The results are tragic.

Learn about the findings and the applications for social workers, police departments, educators, doctors, and nurses in the full article, Early Trauma, Lasting Damage, on philly.com

Topics: adverse childhood experiences, Institute for Safe for Safe Familes, kristin schubert, martha davis, No bio box, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, rwjf, Trauma

Sesame Street Highlights Children Coping with Incarcerated Parents

By Zerline Hughes, June 19 2013

“Who are the people in your neighborhood?” and “Lady Bug Picnic” are songs that I know from only one place: “Sesame Street.” These are songs my children, 8 and 10, know as well – more than 30 years later.
Now in its 44th season, the international children’s television program, “Sesame Street,” is synonymous with childhood memories, long-term friendships, sweet dreams and excitement. The show and its creators have been great at delving into issues that help kids fit in, feel comfortable and understand and embrace differences – physical challenges, relationships and family structure.
Last week, Sesame Workshop unveiled yet another project to help our children understand life through our varied lenses: a 30-minute documentary on incarcerated parents highlighted on CBS’ “Sunday Morning.” Wow! The organization understood the lack of available resources for children of incarcerated parents and developed a film to help children cope with being separated from their parents and explain to viewers the importance of preserving family bonds – even behind bars. Mixing fiction with real life, the short film uses puppets and youth‘s personal stories.

“We were really struck by the lack of resources,” said a Sesame Workshop spokesperson on the need to create such a project.
The film will be distributed to therapists, schools, prisons and service providers. It will not air on the actual show.

In addition to the film, Sesame Workshop has created a webpage, and a Sesame Street Incarceration App that features a toolkit for parents, caregivers, providers and families. Resources, tips and kid-centered activities are highlighted to help talk and draw out emotions and feelings are provided.

Topics: Incarcerated Parents, No bio box

Resources From 2013 Leadership Institute

By Susan Richardson, June 18 2013

Thank you to the community leaders and experts in juvenile justice reform, adolescent substance abuse treatment and mental health who contributed to a successful 2013 Leadership Institute in Asheville, N.C., May 7-9, 2013.
I'm pleased to share the presentations, plenary sessions and fellowship discussions that made up this working conference to help communities break the cycle of drugs, alcohol and crime.
Please take a moment to browse the topics and share the proven approaches and best practices for communities adopting, implementing and sustaining the Reclaiming Futures model as the standard of care in communities across the nation.
Here is a sample of the topics:

Behavior Change Drivers by Michael Clark, Center for Strength-Based Strategies
Rest Stop: Self-Care and Leadership Survival by Laura Nissen, Special Advisor, Reclaiming Futures National Program Office, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Portland State University
One Faith Community at a Time by Michael Dublin, Consultant, Faith Works Together Coordinator
Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN): An Introduction & Opportunity to Ask Questions, Michael Dennis and Kate Moritz, Chestnut Health Systems
How to Manage Yourself and Others Through the Stress of Change by Kathleen Doyle-White, Founder and President, Pathfinders Coaching

We'd like to hear from you. If you attended the Leadership Institute, what new skills, perspectives or strategies will you use? What insights will reinforce your efforts?
Please share ideas, photos and resources from the 2013 Reclaiming Futures Leadership Institute, using the following hashtag via Twitter: #RFutures13

Topics: Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, asheville, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, North Carolina, Reclaiming Futures

Montgomery County Juvenile Court Celebrates 15 Drug Court Graduates

By Michelle White, June 18 2013

In celebration of National Drug Court Month, Montgomery County Juvenile Court held a graduation ceremony celebrating youth who have successfully overcome drug and alcohol abuse.
National Drug Court Month is coordinated on a National level by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). This year, Drug Courts throughout the nation are celebrating National Drug Court Month with the theme ‘Drug Courts: Where Accountability Meets Compassion.’ This uplifting commencement ceremony is evidence of the tremendous impact the Montgomery County Juvenile Drug Court has had on our community and will send a powerful message that Drug Courts are a proven budget solution that saves lives and dollars.
Like the other 2,700 operational Drug Courts in the United States, the Montgomery County Juvenile Drug Court is a judicially-supervised court docket that reduces correctional costs, protects community safety, and improves public welfare. In Drug Court, seriously drug-addicted individuals remain in treatment while under close supervision. Drug Court participants must meet their obligation to themselves, their families, and society. To ensure accountability, they are regularly and randomly tested for drug use, required to appear frequently in court for the judge to review their progress, rewarded for doing well and sanctioned for not living up to their obligations. Research continues to show that Drug Courts work better than jail or prison, better than probation, and better than treatment alone.
Fifteen young men and women were among this year’s graduates. The ceremony marked their completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, case management, mandatory drug testing, community supervision and incentives and sanctions to encourage appropriate behavior.

Topics: Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Juvenile Treatment Drug Court, No bio box

Statistical Briefing Book: A Place to Find Facts on Juvenile Justice Topics

By Jaclyn Chelf, June 17 2013

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) recently released a Statistical Briefing Book that offers statistics on various juvenile justice topics. The Book documents where states stand on a plethora of juvenile justice issues, with data analysis tools that will allow users to create custom analysis of juvenile populations, arrests, court cases and residential placement.
The book displays documentation on the extended age of jurisdiction, how the courts classify status offenses, and administration of community supervision and aftercare services. Easy access guides to juvenile populations, juvenile arrest rates by offense, sex, and race, arrest statistics and the census of juveniles in residential placement are also featured.
The national overviews include access to FBI arrest statistics including data through 2010 and National, State, and County arrest estimates. Access to Juvenile Court statistics including national estimates of the more than 30 million delinquency cases processed by the nation’s juvenile courts between 1985 and 2010 and sections devoted to Juveniles in Court and Juveniles on Probation.

Topics: Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, tools

'Supper Club' Brings Stable Connection; News Roundup

By David Backes, June 14 2013

Juvenile Justice Reform

For Juvenile Detainees, 'Supper Club' Brings Stable Connection (The Baltimore Sun)
The one-year-old Supper Club program is designed around a time-tested principle — that sharing regular meals with caring grown-ups provides young people with a sense of stability and connection. It's an experience that teens inside these walls may be only passingly familiar with.
[OPINION] Juvenile Justice System Broken, Needs Oversight (JournalStandard.com)
"No child should ever be subject to mistreatment, and this report will hopefully incentivize our policymakers to ensure that incarceration is truly the last resort, used only for the safety of the child and the public."
Forum Focuses on Juvenile Justice (RegisterStar.com)
For the second straight month, the Time and Space Limited theater in Hudson hosted a meeting on juvenile justice in conjunction with the newly formed Staley B. Keith Social Justice Center. At Wednesday’s event, TSL co-Director Linda Mussman welcomed moderator and sociologist Richard Smith, and a panel of local legal experts to discuss issues facing Hudson youth in the juvenile justice system.
OP-ED: Families: Solutions to the Crisis in Juvenile Justice (JJIE.org)
"In 2006, the mother of a teenage daughter involved in the juvenile justice system in Hawaii contacted a small, non-profit in Lake Charles, La., more than 4,000 miles away. The mother was seeking support from someone who could understand her plight in navigating the juvenile justice system and possibly help her find the treatment and services her daughter desperately needed."

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Juvenile Justice Reform, News, No bio box

Pushing Your Juvenile Justice Program to Excellence

By Susan Richardson, June 13 2013

Project Director Margaret Soukup, Reclaiming Futures Seattle-King County, discusses how the Reclaiming Futures model has improved their work with young people in King County. Since implementing Reclaiming Futures 10 years ago, they have become more:

Collaborative,
Supportive, and
Inclusive

To learn more about helping teens overcome drugs, alcohol and crime, please visit www.reclaimingfutures.org

Topics: Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Juvenile Justice Reform, King County, No bio box, Reclaiming Futures, seattle, Washington

The Affordable Care Act: Changing Mental Health Treatment in America

By Michael Cahill, June 12 2013

One aspect of the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act that’s often overlooked in the media is its attention to mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Overall the landmark legislation hopes to bring near universal health insurance to the United States when the last round of its major provisions goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014. These provisions include the controversial individual and employer insurance mandates.
But the law goes further though than just getting people insured, it aims to improve the American health care system, especially in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.
Mental health and mental health policy have been favorite topics in the news these last few years with the tragedies in Tucson, Aurora, and Newtown. Pundits from all sides have found a new pastime in discussing and arguing over how the system should be changed.
Opinions aside mental health and substance abuse are serious issues in America. About one in every four adults can be expected to experience a mental illness during the course of a given year, according to stats from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). That’s nearly 55.7 million people, no small number for a nation of 315 million.
That number of adults rises to one in 17 when talking about more serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder. For younger Americans the rate continues to climb with one in 10 children living with a serious mental or emotional disorder, according to NAMI numbers.

Substance abuse is estimated to cost the United States over $600 billion annually. A 2012 survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that among teenagers alcohol and cigarette use has declined in recent years but the use of illicit drugs is on the rise.
So it’s no wonder that the Care Act looks to extend coverage and improve treatment of mental health and substance abuse. Let’s take a look at some of the ways it aims to do that.

Topics: ACA, Adolescent Mental Health, No bio box

To Give Up or Not? An Open Letter To Parents with Justice-Involved Teens

By Sadric Bonner M.P.A., June 11 2013

Dear Parents,
Teenage years can be the most tumultuous times for parents and families. However, this is nothing new. The on again off again chaotic interactions of parent versus child often impair the family unit.
When parents are blindsided by gone-astray youth, not knowing what or who to ask causes a strain on everyone. The biggest complaint I receive is that parents don’t know what to ask when experiencing a traumatic crisis. The desire to flee from their environment is the greatest urge most parents feel.
However, most stay and I call it operating under a symptom called “functional numbness”. Meaning parents are physically present, but can be emotionally detached from their teens’ problems. Some consider it self-preservation.
As parents, we have to decide whether or not we want to be “right or happy.” This was and continues to be one of Dr. Phil’s mantras. Yet, it took me some time to incorporate it into my ongoing exchanges of my own.

Topics: Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box

A Conversation Starter for Mental Health

By Jaclyn Chelf, June 08 2013

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new online resource full of information on mental health. The site includes guides to warning signs of mental illness, how individuals can find help and how communities can host conversations about mental health. MentalHealth.gov seeks to launch a national conversation on illnesses, recovery and hope.
SAMHSA supports the website with a Toolkit for Community Conversations About Mental Health with the first section released on June 3, 2013. The Toolkit is a component to rally support and conversations in the community about mental health with features like an “Information Brief,” a “Discussion Guide” and an “Organizing Guide.”
The website and SAMHSA’a Toolkit confront some of the greatest challenges people face including: Anxiety disorders, Eating disorders, Mental Health and substance abuse, Mood disorders and Suicidal behavior. There is space for story sharing and support groups, along with an abundance of information about the prevention and treatment of mental health to help communities work together.

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, No bio box

Past Traumatic Experiences Common Among Detained Juveniles; News Roundup

By David Backes, June 07 2013

Juvenile Justice Reform

Efforts Sought to Rehabilitate Troubled Youth (Tribune-Democrat.com)
While there have been drastic changes in the juvenile justice system in the wake of the “Kids for Cash” scandal, some advocates believe Pennsylvania has so far failed to widely embrace efforts to fully focus on rehabilitating troubled young people. One of the more innovative efforts in Pennsylvania involves the use of youth courts, in which young people themselves mete out justice for their peers.
Bad Food, a Bible, and a Blanket: 24 Hours in Juvenile Solitary Confinement (Wired.com)
As a photographer, how far would you go to get in the heads of your subjects? For Richard Ross, it meant 24 hours in solitary confinement at a juvenile detention center. Over six years, Ross has photographed hundreds of detention centers and interviewed more than a 1,000 children for a project called Juvenile-in-Justice that aims to educate people about the juvenile justice system. He’s as familiar as any outsider with the subject, but he decided it wasn’t enough.
Past Traumatic Experiences Common Among Detained Juveniles (JJIE.org)
Most young people placed in detention have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to a new report from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). “PTSD, Trauma and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Detained Youth,” released Tuesday, included findings culled from the Northwestern Juvenile Project, which assessed more than 1,800 young detainees in Chicago between 1995 and 1998.
Nebraska Gov. Heineman Signs Juvenile Justice Reform Bill, Focusing on Youth Rehabilitation (TheRepublic.com)
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has signed a juvenile justice reform bill into law. The measure by Sen. Brad Ashford, of Omaha, is designed to shift the state's focus toward rehabilitation for youths who break the law. Heineman approved the legislation on Wednesday during a news conference.
Gov. Heineman Signs Juvenile Justice Reform into Law (Omaha.com)
The state embarked on a new approach in dealing with troubled juveniles Wednesday. Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law a major reform bill that shifts the focus from incarceration to treatment for youthful offenders and puts state probation officers in charge of that rehabilitation work instead of state social workers.

Topics: Adolescent Mental Health, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Juvenile Justice Reform, News, No bio box

Reclaiming Futures in Anchorage, Alaska

By Susan Richardson, June 06 2013

Tom Begich, coach and former project director in Anchorage Alaska, describes how Reclaiming Futures has transcended anything they ever imagined to create a safer, healthier community.

Crime and substance abuse rates are down
Graduation rates are up
Evidence-based practices are driving change

Topics: Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Alaska, anchorage, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, Reclaiming Futures

Celebrating Success in Hardin County, Ohio

By Leaha Archer, June 04 2013

Reclaiming Futures Hardin County recently hosted our first annual Run for Recovery 5k Run/Walk & Kids Dash. The event was held in order to involve the community in the services offered from both Hardin Community School and Reclaiming Futures, while encouraging our youth to live a healthier lifestyle. The name Run for Recovery was chosen in order to incorporate Hardin County youth in all aspects of recovery, including education, along with recovery from drugs, alcohol, crime, and mental health problems.
The race was held Saturday May 25th, 2013 at Hardin Community School/Lifeworks Center. Roughly 160 runners/walkers and youth took place in the 5k and kids dash. Each participant received a goody bag filled with local offerings and a Run for Recovery 5k t-shirt.
Businesses, organizations and individuals from the community astounded us with their overwhelming support months leading up to the race! Nearly 40 separate entities showed their support with monetary donation, door prize donations, post-race refreshment, prizes for the kid’s dash, participants’ goodie bag contributions, and sponsorships for kid’s entry fees, not to mention the countless volunteers who helped with race preparation.
Race morning was no different! Our team was greeted race morning with over 20 volunteers to help us organize. Volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office, Kenton Police Department, mentors, Hardin Community Schools’ 4-H chapter, and Hardin County Vietnam vets were on site to assist our team. Throughout the race, public bystanders lined the streets to watch as the race participants passed by their homes and offices. A huge hit for the crowd was seeing Hardin County Juvenile Court’s K9, Cory, complete the 5k with her handler Sheriff Deputy Rushing.

Topics: Hardin County, Juvenile Justice Reform, News, No bio box, Ohio

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