Staggering increases in delinquency complaints and juvenile referrals to Court Services have created an urgent need for a positive preventative maintenance and school-to work transition program for juvenile offenders. Today s at-risk youth offenders do transition to tomorrow s adult offender. Second Chance, a workforce development project in Waterloo, Iowa between Juvenile Court Services, Hawkeye Community College, and Area VII Job Training, offers a competency-based behavior change model for juvenile offenders. It is designed to channel their lives into positive and productive directions. Second Chance promotes positive behavior through a professional group facilitation process which empowers youth to improve decision-making, behavior adjustment, communication, and problem solving skills.
Emphasis is placed on completion of education programs.
Youth participate in career exploration activities, and employment opportunities are provided. In addition, assistance is provided for GED or high school credit courses. The project is endorsed by the local community. A major program advantage is referring juvenile offenders to Employment and Training programs at the local Workforce Development Center. The project can also be replicated in other areas.