Orientation
Youth begin the program with a month-long orientation that exposes them to a new self-image as a worker and employee. Establishment of reasonable work expectations, consistent and repetitive reinforcement, and financial rewards help youth develop new patterns of cognition, emotional response, and behavior to replace the old patterns.
The orientation reframes the youths’ understanding of why they often feel confused and out of control. Activities that help youth monitor and control their thoughts, behavior and stress ease those feelings. Youth participate in their self-evaluation during all program phases alongside trained staff using a 21 point system and identify areas for improvement. Point scores translate into gift cards, paychecks, or payment toward restitution obligations to the court.
The orientation reframes the youths’ understanding of why they often feel confused and out of control. Activities that help youth monitor and control their thoughts, behavior and stress ease those feelings. Youth participate in their self-evaluation during all program phases alongside trained staff using a 21 point system and identify areas for improvement. Point scores translate into gift cards, paychecks, or payment toward restitution obligations to the court.