Programs for Youth
A FEW STATS from last year
56 students were served in CRJ’s Restorative Alternative Program and Truancy Project in Bennington County schools.
77 young people with civil underage possession of alcohol or marijuana violations completed CRJ’s Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program.
Learn more about the range of youth programs and services offered by BCRJ below.
For information on Court Diversion and Civil DLS Diversion, see our Legal System Programs.
School-based Programs – RAP
RAP, or Restorative Alternative Program, is CRJ’s school-based program which is designed to provide early intervention restorative justice services to help support young people succeed in school. Students identified to have broken school rules or who have committed chargeable offenses on school grounds may be offered this program as an alternative to school punitive sanctions.
Truancy Project
CRJ collaborates with schools throughout Bennington County to assist students and their families overcome barriers to school attendance. The program is designed to work with students whose chronic truancy issues have not responded to school interventions. CRJ’s Truancy Project is offered as a final option to the student and his/her parents as a way to address and correct truancy problems before their case is filed with family court. Through identifying barriers, case management, community resources and integrating contract conditions students are supported to successfully attend school on a daily basis.
Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP)
The focus of YSASP is to help young people (age 16 – 20) who have been civilly cited for underage drinking or possession of marijuana get proper screening, education and treatment for identified substance abuse problems. Once a young person successfully completes the program their civil ticket is voided. This is a voluntary program; individuals who choose not to participate in the program face a $300 fine from the State of Vermont, 30-day license suspension with a $96 re-instatement fee, dramatically increased insurance rates, and civil conviction on their driving record.
Juvenile Restorative Programs
The Juvenile Restorative Probation Program (JRPP) provides restorative justice panels and restitution case management to youth on probation. Restorative justice panels hold youth accountable to victims and their community. Case Managers provide follow-up services to assure that restorative conditions of probation are completed. In addition, the program provides young offenders with an opportunity to increase their skills and participate in a variety of community activities.
Juvenile Direct Court Referral Program is a program offered to youth as an alternative sentence set by the Family Court Judge. Youth may be adjudicated in Family Court, but not placed on probation. The youth participate in a restorative justice panel, learn new skills and repair harm caused to their victims.
Jump on Board for Success (JOBS Program)
Through a grant with HireAbility Vermont (formally Voc Rehab), CRJ's JOBS program offers creative and intensive supports to help youth achieve their individualized employment & education goals and address any barriers to housing, positive relationships, community resources, transportation, and other factors related to living an independent, successful, and quality life.
Life Skills Development
CRJ offers a wide array of skill building opportunities. Groups vary throughout the year and cover topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, impact on victims, self esteem, peer pressure, substance abuse and more. Individualized life skills instruction is available year-round.
Mentoring
Time-limited, one-on-one mentoring services are offered to youth in need of positive adult role modeling and social skill development. Mentoring case managers typically work with a young person for 2 -3 months, then connect youth with long-term mentoring and recreational resources if needed.
The Lounge
CRJ’s hosts a drop-in after school program Mondays - Thursdays for teens in grades 7 – 12. The Lounge provides a supportive environment for youth to gather after school to hang out, meet new friends, get help with homework, engage in activities or simply chat with a caring adult about their day. All teens welcome!
Print our flyer to share with a teen you think would enjoy our after school program.
Threads
Threads is a nearly new free clothing shop for teens. We all know how difficult being a teen can be. Imagine if having some “new” clothes to wear makes the difference in whether a teen attends school or simply helps to boost their self-confidence.
Threads is a unique shop. Aside from being totally free, Threads is a shop run by teens for teens. All teens are welcome to come browse Threads to find clothes and accessories for school or even a job interview.
Threads is open Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Located at 439 Main St., Bennington.
YASI Pre-Screens
All newly cited Family Court youth are referred to CRJ for a risk assessment/screening. The screening is designed to help the Court determine a youth's path in the juvenile justice system.
CRJ uses the YASI (Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument) tool to help better understand whether youth are at risk for further involvement in the juvenile justice system and what aspects of a youth’s life might be contributing to that risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Programs for Youth
Q: Will I lose my license if I get an underage drinking ticket?
A: If you successfully complete CRJ’s YSASP program requirements, then CRJ voids your tickets and it does not get sent to the Vermont Judicial Bureau. If you choose not to participate in the program or if you do not complete all the requirements as outlined in your YSASP contract, then your ticket will be issued to the Vermont Judicial Bureau, your license will be suspended for 30 days, and you will be faced with a $300 fine. In addition, your auto insurance will increase substantially.
Q: Is there a difference in the program or fines if I get an underage possession of marijuana ticket?
A: The program and fines are the same as underage drinking.
Q: What is the difference between JRPP, Reparative Board and Court Diversion?
A: Court Diversion is offered as an alternative to traditional court proceedings. The decision of who is referred to Court Diversion is the decision of the State’s Attorney and is offered as an alternative before a person is adjudicated in court. JRPP is ordered by a family court judge to youth who have been adjudicated in family court. Reparative Board is ordered by Criminal Court as a condition of probation. Only the Court Diversion program results in charges being dismissed upon successful completion.
Q: Does it cost anything to attend CRJ youth programs?
A: The fee for YSASP is $175. There are no longer any fees for the Family Court Programs. Various aspects of contract conditions may require you to pay a fee, such as seeking counseling or an assessment. All other CRJ programs are free of charge.
Q: What if I do not have all the money to pay my fees?
A: CRJ is very willing to work out alternative payment plans with individual clients. CRJ case managers will be happy to work with clients to work out plans that fit individuals’ ability to pay.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. CRJ accepts credit cards, money orders, and bank checks. Personal checks are not accepted.
For more information, check out the FAQs on our Legal System Services page.
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