The CAPS Unit targets at-risk youths in the community and in schools before they enter the juvenile justice system using a probation officer, social workers, and community volunteers.
Crossroads
Social Workers working with community-based organizations provide evidence-based early intervention and prevention programs to at-risk youth to help them become independent and successful while preventing self-destructive and socially negative behavior, such as substance abuse, delinquency, and family dysfunction.
Community Accountability Boards (CAB)
Targets at-risk youth having behavioral or disciplinary issues at school. The CAB is comprised of school representatives and community volunteers who assess the present issue, determine an appropriate behavioral contract, and provide ongoing support, mentoring, and follow through with the terms of the contract. Staff trains and assists interested schools and communities in establishing a CAB at their site.
Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA)
This program, a collaboration between the San Joaquin County Office of Education and the California National Guard, is for youth from ages 16 to 19 who have dropped out of high school, or are at risk for dropping out. The Probation Department has assigned a social worker to the site to work with the cadets living at the DCA campus and the graduates.
The program offers a highly-structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.
The program consists of a 22-week residential phase and a 12-month post-residential phase. The Social Worker works closely with students, mentors, parents, and faculty to ensure a positive and successful transition during the residential phase as well as after the cadet graduates and transitions to the next stage of their life.
DCA Brochure
DCA Mentor