What We Do
Youth SOULutions provides self-improvement services for youth 13-17 in the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. These residents are chosen by social workers, Juvenile Probation Officers and other facility staff based on improvement potential and over- all needs. Twelve teens are selected for the eight week program. Youth SOULutions provides institutional services to over 100 at-risk teens each year.
During the intensive 8 weeks, Youth SOULutions builds hope where there was little or no hope for success outside of criminal activity or self-destruction. We promote trust, provide support, and encouragement as they focus on their true potential and future careers.
The 8 week institutional programs include guest speakers, writing, soul searching exercises, interactive activities and one-on-one time with trained volunteers and experts in youth development. Weekly arts and crafts relating to the curriculum promote creativity skills they have never recognized or explored in their past. At the end of the 8 weeks the students invite their parents to an official graduation ceremony. The ceremony includes a full 3 course meal, presentations by the teens, speeches, poems, entertainment, letters to parents and special gifts for each resident participating in the program.
After release we immediately contact the youth, parent/guardian, and their Juvenile Probation Officer for direct contact and on- going support. This support includes but is not limited to;
- Home visits
- Mentoring
- Field trips (teen events, water parks, bowling, etc.)
- Job placement referrals
- Educational opportunities
In our attempt to change the home environment, Youth SOULutions offers the most extensively researched, evidence based Positive Parenting Program in the world, Triple P. Family Reunification is offered to parents of youth on probation monthly. Family Reunification workshops are provided to any at risk family currently in the Harris County Juvenile Justice System.