Teen Alcohol/Drugs

Director: Claud McInnis
Phone: 601.985.3036

Youth crime in Mississippi 's rural and inner city communities are high, and are most often linked to illicit use of alcohol/drugs, and gang activities. Hinds County estimates that over 70% of youth crime is associated with these lifestyles. In addition, youth crime is progressive. It generally begins with smaller crimes, and when there is no interference that would redirect the child, more serious crimes often ensure. Through partnership established in 1996 with Hinds County Youth Court, COHA provides one on one nurturing mentoring to first and second none violent offenders. In addition, parents are educated on the care of the youth through ‘Parent Summits'.

Goal:

To reduce the rate of habitual relapse among first and second none violent offenders in the custodial care Hinds County Youth Court.

Objective:

To provide one on one intensive mentoring activity to at risk youth. Augment program with Parent education.

Action Plan:

• Recruit male role models to serve as mentors
• Conduct Mentor training for those identified
• Collaborate with Youth Detention Center to assist in youth referral
• Recruit recommended youth into the program
• Pair each youth with one trained mentor
• Conduct annual pre/post program assessment
• Monthly meetings of all concerned to follow progress, and address issues
• Quarterly enriching activity for both mentors /mentees/ parents
• Graduate youth who is determined to have successfully completed the program.
• Collaborate with local agencies for Teen/Parent Summit

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