Helping One Juvenile at a Time Erin Turner Brenda Krizan Brendan Aubele Jessica Wallace Athena Bloch Probation and Parole 2006 Instructor, Jerry Rose EAST Project Dianne Phillips, EAST Facilitator

Relevance to Probation and Parole  We are focusing not only on juvenile delinquents in the community, but also on juveniles that are at a susceptible age of becoming delinquent.  This project is to help raise the community awareness that we need more mentors for both delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles.

Believing in our Project We believe that juveniles are the future of our community, and if we are not providing a good group of role models then we are not securing our future. After all the future is what we depend on.

Statistics on the Crime Rate of Juveniles Types of CrimesPercentage Violent CrimesTheft Arrests: 36% Aggravated AssaultRunaway Arrests: 59% HomicideRape Arrests: 2% RapeSex Offense: 8% RobberyGambling Arrests: 4% Property CrimesRobbery Arrests: 9% ArsonProstitution/ Vice Arrests: 54% Auto TheftEmbezzlement: 48% Burglary Larceny/TheftThere are more males Disorderly Conductarrested than females. Drug Abuse

Race Statistics on Juveniles This is according to the OJJDP Reports White youth were arrested for 72% of the crime, and they make up 79% of the population. Black youth were arrested for 25% of the crime, and they make up 16% of the population. American Indian youth were arrested for 1% of the crime, and make up only 1% of the juveniles on probation. Asian youth were arrested for 2% of the crime, and make up only 4% of the juveniles on probation.

What is a mentor? A role-model that teaches children to be successful in everything that they do. A mentor is a guide for life. They are a support system during times of need. They are a tutor for school subjects. They are a friend and a leader. They are someone that a juvenile looks up to. Mentors also help to improve the decision making skills in juveniles.

Mentoring Programs Youth Bridge –The children that are mentored through here are juvenile delinquents with some form of criminal background. Boys and Girls Club of Benton County –There are two different mentoring programs Tutoring program- mentors tutor children with schoolwork Child of a prisoner- mentors are asked to commit more time to this program. They are helping children whose has one parent in prison or jail.

Qualifications for Mentors Youth Bridge: –Must be at least 21 years of age. –Must be able to pass a drug test. –Must have a clean criminal background. (No felonies) –Must have a good driving record. –Must have good life values. –Must be able to dedicate 1 hour a week and no more than 4 hours a week.

Qualifications for Mentors, continued Boys and Girls Club of Benton County –Must be at least 19 years of age. –Must complete a training program. –Must be able to pass a background check. –Must be able to dedicate 1 hour a week, for at least 12 months.

Reasons for Mentoring Allows for juveniles to have a positive role model in their life. Helps to build social and life skills in both delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles. Shows juveniles that there are people out there that care about them and support them. Teaches juveniles constructive activities rather than destructive activities.

Reasons for Mentoring, Continued According to Juvenile Judge Jay Finch, “about 70% of his caseload are juveniles in single parent families.” More and more parents are having to work longer shifts and more days in order to make ends meet, therefore not leaving a lot of time for parents to watch their children.

Ways to become a Mentor Youth Bridge: –Applications are available for mentors at all Youth Bridge Locations –After you complete the application return it to Youth Bridge to April.

Boys and Girls Club Applications are available at the boys and girls club in Bentonville Applications should be returned to Dennis

Activity Ideas Tutoring Group Talk Sessions Community Service Projects Movies Plays Dinner Outings Sporting Events Interview Skills Proper Dress Social Skills Hiking Bowling Go-Carting Picnics Flag Football Make-overs Rock Climbing

Thank You We would like to thank everyone from Youth Bridge and the Boys and Girls Club for providing us with information. We would also like to thank our instructor, Jerry Rose, for being so patient throughout this whole project. We also thank all of you for coming out and listening to what we have to say.

Refreshments Are Available In the Back of the Auditorium Special Thanks to Dianne Phillips, EAST Facilitator