The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Virgin Islands Behavioral Services (VIBS) will be having an open house for the recently implemented Juvenile Wrap-Around Program. The open house will be held on from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Oct. 18, at DHS, Knud Hansen Complex, 1303 Hospital Ground. The program is a crisis therapeutic wrap-around plan designed to provide individual and family care coordination to address the base risk factors leading to delinquency in adolescents. It specifically targets non-incarcerated male and female juveniles on St. Thomas and St. John including pre-delinquent and PINS clients who are at highest risk of recidivism.
The program is modeled after the St. Croix’s successful Juvenile Intensive Support Services (JISS) program, which has shown impressive results in reducing recurrent delinquent behavior and improving educational attainment with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. VIBS will facilitate the program with DHS funding.
Considering limited after school and weekend programs, the program will provide both pre and post discharge services including assessment, treatment, vocational and job readiness, life skills, primary health prevention, recreation and conflict resolution. Through treatment, redirection and enhanced family involvement, the program will foster self-esteem, build creativity and encourage positive alternatives to curb delinquent behavior in adolescents.
Considering limited after school and weekend programs, the program will provide both pre and post discharge services including assessment, treatment, vocational and job readiness, life skills, primary health prevention, recreation and conflict resolution. Through treatment, redirection and enhanced family involvement, the program will foster self-esteem, build creativity and encourage positive alternatives to curb delinquent behavior in adolescents.
