Created by the Cook County Juvenile Probation Department, the Run 4 Change program helps youth avoid additional involvement in the justice system by focusing on physical activity combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and interactive peace circles. The program teaches young people the coping skills they need when faced with trauma, and by building health and individual skills with the pro-social, group activity of running, the department hopes to reduce … Continue reading Run 4 Change — Cook County Juvenile Probation Department

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) is a national nonprofit organization that works to keep youth safely home and out of residential placements. The mission of YAP is to support families and communities and to engage partners in the broader human services system to reduce the reliance on institutional placement. From the YAP website: “Our mission is to engage human service systems so that they rely … Continue reading Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

Located in San Francisco’s Sunset District, Sunset Youth Services supports the development of youth from disadvantaged communities through innovative attachment strategies designed to foster creativity, belonging, and long-term stability. Since 1993, SYS has worked to build safe relationships with young people and families in San Francisco. Their approach begins with the belief that every young person has the ability to realize his or her potential … Continue reading Sunset Youth Services

Combining work experience with intensive technical apprenticeship and community service, YouthBuild is a national nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged youth 16 to 24 years of age. Participants build affordable housing for low-income families while earning a GED (high school equivalency diploma) or traditional diploma, and developing effective work skills. Each of the more than 200 YouthBuild affiliate programs across the United States is linked to … Continue reading YouthBuild USA

Providing opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth for more than 25 years, Rite of Passage developed and now operates a robust continuum of programs. The programs offered by R.O.P. include community-based services, day schools, academic-model facilities, gender-specific treatment and secure facilities. With an emphasis on evidence-based practices and positive skill development, combined with a supportive therapeutic approach, R.O.P. is highly respected by industry experts and researchers. … Continue reading Rite of Passage