Foundational to the program is the tracking component, which provides a proven method of surveillance in the community. Clients must report their whereabouts in the community at all times. When a youth is involved with Southwest Key, every area of his or her life is impacted. From school to work to play to home, the program staff teach youth to live as law-abiding citizens in their communities. Top Independent Living Youth attempting to live on their own for the first time receive support, training and education through this program.
Every effort is made for the young people to succeed in their chosen communities.
The program provides all of the services of the outreach and tracking programs, but adds a special emphasis on life skills, job training and employment to help ensure a successful independent living experience. Southwest Key provides comprehensive treatment and educational services and links youth with community resources that offer the best possible chance for them to succeed on their own. These youth, who might otherwise be placed in residential treatment facilities or secure care institutions, receive a full-range of treatment, academic and recreational services while living at home. The day treatment programs provide a holistic, family-centered approach to reform and rehabilitation by working with youth in their home setting and providing counseling and educational programming for parents. The State of Texas's 74th Legislature mandated that all counties with a population greater than 125,000 develop alternative education programs for students who have been expelled or placed on probation as a result of an offense committed on a school campus.