4.5. SR 03-16-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM SUMMARY Established in 1991, Rivers of Hope's Youth Advocacy Program is a violence prevention and early intervention program built upon the philosophy that if we educate young women regarding the dynamics of violence, introduce them to healthy skills and empower them through early intervention, we can stop the cycle of violence and prevent further victimization of these young women. This program focuses on increasing their awareness of high dsk situations, decreasing dsk factors and promoting increased protective factors. This program provides on-site weekly educational support groups and individual advocacy sessions to "at-risk" young women in grades 7-12 of the Annandale, Big Lake, Buffalo and Elk River School Districts throughout the school year. Dudng the 1997-1998 school year Advocates are also providing services to students of the Elk River School District's ALC Program. The two (2) Youth Advocates on staff with Rivers of Hope each facilitate four (4) weekly support groups per week. Young women are referred to this program by teachers, parents, counselors and administrative staff, as well as self-referral. All teachers are provided with referral slips via their mailbox to obtain additional names of potential candidates for group and/or individual follow up. From these referrals the Youth Advocates and school counselors identify potential candidates for the groups. The candidates then undergo a screening process to determine the suitability of group for the needs of the individual. Students are told immediately after their screening session whether or not these groups are suitable for their needs. The student then makes the decision whether or not to join group. The support groups utilize a violence prevention based educational curriculum consisting of materials which have been systematized into packets: These packets are given out to students periodically at the support group sessions and then discussed. Topics of group discussion include what abuse is; the cycle of domestic violence and its effect on families and young people; sexual harassment issues; date rape facts and myths; healthy/unhealthy boundaries; potentially dangerous dating partners; how to build self-esteem and empower oneself; and how to create an individual support system. Group participants complete pedodic evaluations for utilization by the Youth Advocates, school counselors, and administrative staff to evaluate the program and services provided and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the program curriculum. This information is then used to modify or develop programming which is relevant and necessary for the needs of the young women being served. Individual advocacy sessions are open to both male and female students on a year-round basis to provide crisis intervention services, focus on individual problems, and discuss available options and resources. The Youth Advocates are available for 2-4 hours after each weekly group session to address problems and needs of students on an individualized basis and provide necessary follow-up services. Additionally, Advocates provide individual advocacy sessions to at-risk youth who are referred by physicians, counselors, the courts and staff of other area schools. The Advocates use hours spent outside of the weekly support groups and individual advocacy sessions to compile statistical data for reporting purposes; complete necessary reports, i.e. child maltreatment and crisis incidents; provide speeches and presentations to area schools and individual classes; review and expand educational and curriculum items; attend training sessions and workshops; and for general preparation and scheduling purposes.