Fall Festival Self Esteem Cotillion "A Mid Summer Night Dream"

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

In 2006, the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court and Juvenile Services created the Juvenile Services “Cotillion” as a way for at risk girls who had been involved in the juvenile justice system to be re-introduced to society after undergoing eight weeks of workshops designed to teach them needed life skills that would correct delinquent behavior and allow them to become more productive members of society. Many at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice system have significant behavioral problems stemming from low self-esteem. This is compounded by low academic performance, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, and a culture of crime and violence in their everyday lives. Because many of them only know the “street life” and have little to no opportunity to learn pro social behavior, the bi-annual program was established to provide workshops to these kids that would focus on mature behavioral skills and proper social behavior. The program concluded with the formal Cotillion dance where all participants were fitted for their dresses and tuxedos and received awards for the involvement.