Adolescent Reporting Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Often, mistakes made during a persons youth can tarnish the rest of their life. In response, Chesterfield County has started an innovative program to assist youth members with their transition out of juvenile services and into adulthood. Chesterfield County Adolescent Reporting Program (CARP) is a cooperative effort between the 12th District Juvenile Court and Court Service Unit with assistance from the Chesterfield Department of Mental Health Support Services, Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Chesterfield Health Department and Chesterfield Juvenile Services. The program is a sanction for youths ages 14 to 17 who are on probation in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights. The day component targets probationers who are long-term suspended or expelled from school. The evening program targets youths who are in school, but who have violated their probation. Each participant receives educational assistance, mental health services group or referral, health information, pro-social skills training, life skills education and service learning opportunities. The goal of the program is to teach youth members the skills they need to get off of probation and to complete high school. The program replaced the Youth Group Home, a 24-hour residential facility which was found to house primarily youths who would return home at the end of their stay. By remaining at home, CARP clients continue to have family support and maintain community ties.