WHAT ARE YOUTH INTERVENTION SERVICES?

The field of youth intervention represents a variety of programs that give youth better decision making skills and help keep them from going down the wrong path in life. Services such as mentoring, counseling, conflict resolution, restorative justice, anger management, diversion, and education are all forms of youth intervention. Although the strategies may be diverse, they all share the ultimate goal of reaching kids when they are just showing signs of troublesome behaviors, keep them in school, living with a supportive family and out of the costly juvenile justice system.

Currently, over 100 YIPA member organizations from across the state of Minnesota serve over 50,000 at-risk youth per year. These agencies work with youth ages 6-18 precisely when they are beginning to engage in problematic behaviors (e.g. truancy, petty crimes, alcohol/drug use, etc.). Instead of simply being punished for their actions, youth benefit from youth intervention programs by receiving the help and resources they need to make positive life choices leading to a brighter future.

"We want every youth in Minnesota to have easy access to high quality youth intervention programs when help is needed."

J. Scott Beaty
Executive Director, YIPA

Pre-Court Diversion Programs: 

• Truancy Intervention
• Shoplifting Prevention/Intervention
• Curfew Violation
• Sexual Perpetrator Counseling
• Vandalism Prevention/lntervention
• Fire Awareness
• Drug/Alcohol Prevention/Intervention
• Tobacco Use Prevention/Intervention

Restorative Justice Programs: 

• Victim/Offender Mediation
• Community Service Programs For Offenders
• Crime Victim Advocacy
• Restitution Services

Counseling Programs:

• Individual, Family & Group Counseling
• Mentoring
• Crisis Intervention
• Out Reach Services for "At-Risk" Youth
• Prostitution Counseling
• Chemical Health Assessments and Referral
• Delinquency Prevention
• Teen Parenting/Pregnancy Counseling
• Runaway/Homeless Youth Services
• School Groups
• Peer counseling
• Anger Management
• Culturally Specific counseling
• Aftercare

Education Programs:

• Shoplifting/Vandalism Prevention
• Prevention and Early Intervention Video Production
• Parenting Education
• Job Training/Preparation
• Drug/Alcohol Use Prevention
• Child Abuse Awareness
• Feeling and Values Awareness
• Conflict Resolution
• Cultural Awareness
• Tutoring Services

Other Services:

• Direct Employment
• Youth Advocacy
• Referrals
• Community Transitioning from Corrections
• Court Advocacy