Juvenile Justice (PALS)
Programs & Services
For more information, please contact:
Don Heard
Executive Director
614-573-3615
email
What is PALS?
The YMCA of Central Ohio's Positive Alternative Learning for Students program serves as a structured and supervised environment for 6th to 12th grade students who have been suspended from school.
Students who are on 3, 5, and 10 day suspensions are referred to PALS by local public school systems, juvenile courts, departments of human services, and parents. Students in the program are held accountable for their actions by participating in educational programming and behavior modification sessions, rather than treating their suspension as a vacation.
In the classroom with the students is a state-certified teacher, case manager, and staff assistant. There is also a mental health expert available to consult with the students.
The purpose of the PALS program is to provide youth with a positive change in attitude and a better outlook on the future. Program staff challenge youth to take responsibility for their actions and to help them set goals for their future.
A positive change
The one-on-one communication between student and staff has a remarkable effect on the students, encouraging them to talk about their problems.
In the PALS program, students are encouraged to communicate and share problems in their lives. The staff to youth ratio ranges from 1:5 to 1:10. This ratio allows more student-to-teacher interaction than in a traditional classroom where the staff-to-youth ratio is often 1:25.
PALS staff also conduct home follow-up visits on an as-needed basis. Staff and the student's family members talk about the student's progress and may recommend resources that can help the student succeed.
Community benefits
Our community benefits from the YMCA PALS program. Youth are kept off the streets during a suspension period. They are provided the opportunity to continue their academics in a supportive environment. Students interact with trained staff who help them improve their attitude and behavior.
Youth who participate in this program learn how to rebuild their lives and become active citizens in the community. Through discipline, accountability, and hard work, the YMCA PALS program motivates youth to become responsible young adults.
Program locations
Central YMCA
40 W. Long St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-224-1142
Southwest Community Center
3500 First Ave.
Urbancrest, OH 43123
614-539-1770
Whitehall City Schools
4375 Kae Ave.
Columbus, OH 43213
614-417-5000, ext. 2871
Truancy Intervention Center
St. John Mini Convention Center
640 S. Ohio Ave.
Columbus, OH 43205
614-257-1316
