IMPACT PLUS
Program Description
To provide work assignments to youth that have been adjudicated delinquent by the court system, to teach participants responsibility, accountability, respect and appropriate behavior.
Upon adjudication by the court, the juvenile found to be delinquent may be ordered to perform a certain number of community service hours in order to “pay back” the community for having committed a wrong deed. The hours ordered are to commensurate with the child’s age, abilities, and the seriousness of the offense. Beforehand, the youth’s appropriateness for community service has been determined during the court intake process. The program deems that the youth have a stable home environment, be physically and mentally equipped to perform manual labor and have committed some type of criminal offense. All referrals are made by the court, diversion contract, teen court, parent referrals, Boys and Girls Club and referrals from law enforcement.
A meeting is then held with the juvenile, his/her parent/guardian, and the program staff. They are informed of the guidelines governing the program. The youth agrees to participate and is informed of the consequences for not following through on the commitment.
In addition to performing work, the youth are provided opportunities to attend seminars, retreats, special learning sessions where professionals and other community resource persons teach goal setting positive thinking, and job skills. Field trips to famous landmarks and social outings are also planned for the youth.
After the juvenile completes the community service, they are required to complete the Exit Interview. The youth is asked to express his/her feelings and experiences in the program. This is also an opportunity for the Program Director to address ways for the juvenile to improve and make a more positive contribution to the community.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Nash/ Edgecombe Counties, Inc. work in accordance with the Department of Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s policies and procedures as they relate to Restitution and Community Service.
Services Provided
The Impact Plus project has been created to educate participants in the skills of communications, knowledge in ways to seek employment, the values of accountability and responsibility, volunteerism, respect and appreciation of community. Further emphasis is relegated to academic performance, school attendance and retention and programs that create the indisputable merits of a solid education. Also, programs such as Street Smart, Smart Start, and Job Ready are reinforced to minimize participants from misusing their idle time in activities, which might lead to behaviors that are contrary to the project.
The Program Director and/or the Program Assistants counsel with the participants and their parents/guardians to explain the projects policies and procedures, rules, regulations and dress codes. Either the Director or the Assistants assists with documentation gathering and completion, and either will complete the process at the residence of the participant if lack of transportation is an issue.
The Program Director will maintain documentation so as to be able to monitor and keep track of participants and their status during the project.
Each adjudicated participant who is or will be referred to the project by a juvenile court counselor staff member will sign a community service and/or restitution agreement with parental consent. The participant will be assigned to perform a community service comparable to his/her age and abilities.
Russell Leonard
Impact Plus Coordinator
Boys & Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties
P.O Box 1622
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252-977-9924 (Office)
252 985-0277 (Fax)