Youth Service Bureau Of St Tammany

Programs: Court appointed special advocates (casa) volunteers are trained volunteers who help judges find safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children in state custody. Casa volunteers focus on one child or sibling group at a time and represent the best interest of the child. Volunteer advocates offer judges critical information to ensure that each child's rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. During the fiscal year 2014-2015, casa volunteers assisted 315 children (an increase of 12% from previous year) through youth service bureau.

crossroads is a juvenile delinquency intervention program that offers non-violent offenders the opportunity to choose a new direction while holding them accountable for their actions. Case managers leverage a balanced and restorative justice model to encourage responsibility while maintaining a focus on victims and families. There were 333 clients assisted during the 2014-2015 fiscal year (including a 108% increase in clients that were diverted away from the criminal justice system in favor of supportive resources). Case managers oversee community service requirements and victim restitution where appropriate. Clients are supported through group classes that teach internet safety, law related education, anger management, and drivers' improvement. Clients are further supported through parental training and referrals for counseling when appropriate.

families in need of services (fins) is a delinquency prevention program that focuses on helping youth and families to remedy self-destructive behavior through education and family counseling. There were 301 clients assisted through fins during the 2014-2015 fiscal year (comparable to previous year). Fins case managers encourage positive parental involvement and improves skills to counter ungovernable behavior.