The program will be a diversion and mentoring service for male youth, ages 15 thru 18 in Franklin County (youth aged 14 will be permitted on a case-by-case basis). Programming will focus on establishing a safe environment that promotes positive and healthy behavior, self respect and respect for others, accountability, the awareness to act responsibly for the betterment of themselves and the community, and support to attain the education and skills necessary to achieve success.


Program Structure & Enrollment

  • Youth will be referred to the program by police officers, casework supervisors of Franklin County Children Services, parents, school resource officers, probation officers, and Franklin County Juvenile Courts. All youth will be subject to program screening before admission to program.
     
  • Youth participate in counseling sessions, workshops, and the development of behavior and educational goals. All youth will receive emotional intelligence training and assessments, in addition to individualized social and emotional DESSA based behavior plans.
     
  • The program will last a total of 18 months. Youth will participate in daily groups for the first five months and have a support team of case managers for the remaining 13 months.  Through the first five month process youth gradually earn a monitored reduction in required days of daily group attendance.
     

 

Fresh Start Schedule


Curriculum and Focus

  • Social and Emotional Development
  • Education
  • Vocational
  • Pro-Social Activity
  • Social Support
  • Substance Abuse
  • Victim Awareness

 

Our Mission: Establish a safe environment that promotes positive and healthy behavior, commands self-respect and respect for others, challenges the individual to act responsibly for the betterment of themselves and the community, and provides young people with the skills to achieve.