Project Connect is a multi-faceted program designed to connect substance
abusing youth and their families to any needed services, training and
support. This program is designed to help them improve their lives and
to be successful in meeting the requirements ordered through the court
system. The program is provided at no cost to participants and priority
is given to those who live in the following counties: Madison, Stanton,
Pierce, Cuming, Knox, Antelope, Cedar and Wayne.
The goals of this program will be met through drug and alcohol education
classes, parent outreach services and community support.
Components of Project Connect
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education/Intervention. An alcohol and drug
education series has been created which will be offered in a community
based setting for youth on probation with the District 2 Probation
office. This will also be offered at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile
Service center to youth that are currently incarcerated. While a variety
of training topics will be presented, all will have a specific tie to
the youth's substance abuse history. The curriculum consists of
traditional teaching methods such as videos, interactive learning
activities, role-playing and small group projects. The series consists
of a minimum of ten one-hour sessions. Youth participating in the
community-based series will attend the sessions once per week over a
ten-week period and are required to attend all sessions. The sessions at
NNJS will be held each weekday (M-F) throughout the year and the youth
incarcerated at the NNJS center may select which/how many sessions they
attend.
- Parent Outreach. This very crucial component of our program focuses on
advocacy, support, resource acquisition and connection to any needed
services for parents with a child involved in the juvenile justice
system. We believe that with the right education and support, parents
will be more empowered and effective in addressing the challenges that
are present when a child struggles with alcohol/drug abuse and legal
issues. CSP-JV providers will initiate contact with parents whose child
is incarcerated at NNJS to advise them of the services of the program
and offer any needed assistance to the parents.
- Community Support for Juveniles (CSP-JV). CSP-JV is designed for the
youth at a known higher risk of continued alcohol/drug use. Youth gain
access to this program only through a direct referral from their
District 2 Probation Officer. This program provides the youth and their
parents 24-hour emergency access to our trained staff. Assistance
provided includes one-on-one skills training in peer refusal, daily
living skills/independent living skills, communication skill building,
conflict resolution and relapse prevention. Other assistance provided
includes transportation to appointments and linkage to community
services. In this program, the CSP-JV provider and the youth meet as
often as needed to maintain stabilization and ensure the highest
probability for success. CSP-JV providers will work closely with
parents, educators, probation officers, employers, mentors and other
that play a significant role in the youth's life.
Our Goals
- Assist youth to attain abstinence from alcohol/drug use and attendant
illegal activity.
- Assist parents to become better equipped and connected to necessary
supports to meet the challenges of intervening successfully with an
alcohol/drug involved child.
- Assist youth to successfully fulfill the court and probation
requirements they're responsible for and to improve their functioning in
multiple life areas.
