The Youth Care Program is a new initiative in the City of St. Petersburg to help prevent young felony offenders from repeating the cycle of crime through early intervention. This program is part of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch's Neighborhood Health and Safety Pillar for Progress.
The St. Petersburg Police Department will work with the City's Community Impact and Safety Liaison to offer individualized support and resources to young offenders of non-violent felonies and their families.
How it works:
- When a teen is arrested for a crime such as auto theft, grand theft, or felony criminal mischief, their name will be provided to the Community Impact and Safety Liaison. The liaison will reach out to the family to determine what can be done to provide support and stability.
- Youth offenders will be offered personalized services such as; counseling, substance misuse treatment, recreation, and education opportunities.
- In addition, their families may be offered wrap-around services such as family therapy, mentoring, and other community support.
The goal is to redirect at-risk youth early to keep them from committing future crimes and provide positive paths for success.
This is not a diversion program. The teens will still face charges and consequences in court. Participation in the Youth Care Program is voluntary.
Community Impact and Safety Liaison Lisa Wheeler-Bowman can be reached at 727-892-5974.
