Juvenile Advocacy

Youth of color, who are at-risk for criminal activity, will change their behavior to increase school attendance/performance and avoid committing a crime.

Results in 2006:

• 114 youth learned positive ways to participate as members of the community as demonstrated by adherence to their “Contract for Change”
• 123 youth demonstrated improvement in the skills of conflict resolution, anger management, problem solving, and/or personal responsibility

Client Profile: Steven, a 14 year old Black youth, was referred to the Juvenile Advocacy Program by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office due to truancy.  He also carried a disorderly conduct charge for fighting at school. Steven had issues with obeying adult authority and under age drinking as well. A “Contract for Change” was developed to address his issues. He participated in our Summer Enrichment program and African American Culture Camp where he learned about his heritage and history. After participating in the re-enactment of the Underground Railroad, he began to appreciate what the slaves went through to learn to read and escape slavery. Steven’s Advocate also helped him find a summer job where he worked for the Park Board’s Youth Program. This experience also taught him the responsibility to be on time and produce a good work product. Through mentoring, one-on-one and family counseling, Steven successfully completed the program in a four month period. His school attendance improved, he had no further violations, and his mother reported that the program assisted him in making better decisions at home and at school.

Highlights of 2006 :

• Hired a female advocate and initiated gender-specific leadership groups that encourage and support youth in their efforts to adhere to their "Contract for Change"
• Established an Advocate office in the ULA HS, allowing us to interface directly with high school staff and studens and build additional client base.

• 120 youth will learn positive ways to participate as members of the community as demonstrated by adherence to their “Contract for Change”
• 120 youth will demonstrate improvement in the skills of conflict resolution, anger management, problem solving, and/or personal responsibility
• Advocates will reduce the number of unexcused absences at ULA HS by 20%
• 72 students will show improvement in attendance
• 60% of truant youth at ULAHS will meet expectations of the program by demonstrating positive decisions regarding school attendance and behavior as observed by staff, parents, and peers
• 60% of habitually truant youth at ULAHS will meet expectations of the program by demonstrating positive decisions regarding school attendance and behavior as observed by staff, parents, and peers
   

• Increase in the number of youth referred to the program who are farther down the road towards serious trouble, thus requiring the program to take more of a prevention focus
• Lack of prevention and intervention program options geared toward females
• Lack of mental health service options for youth
   

2007 Funding Sources: State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, United Way and other general contributors

2007 Budget: $170,500

If you are interested in the program, please call (612) 827-5673.

African American children, in kindergarten through grade eight, will become prepared to compete in the public school system on a par with all other students.

Results in 2006:

• 74 students in grades 2-7 demonstrated academic achievement at a level equal to or better than the Minneapolis Public Schools average

• 77 students regularly completed homework assignments

• 106 students in grades K-7 progressed to the next grade level within one year

Highlights of 2006:

• Urban League Academy Elementary School utilized the Core Knowledge Curriculum, designed to help students master the core subjects of history, geography, language arts, science, and mathematics
• SRA reading program continues to improve student reading; test scores up 85% since 2003

• 85% of students in grades 2-8 will demonstrate academic achievement at a level equal to or better than the Minneapolis Public Schools average
• 60% of students will regularly complete homework assignments
• ULAES will achieve Adequate Yearly Progress on the Minneapolis Public Schools report card
• 98% of students in grades K-8 will progress to the next grade level within one year

Anticipated Barriers to Success in 2007:

• Students transitioning to the elementary school after being removed from other schools continue to present a challenge in the areas of curriculum development and classroom management
• Transportation of students to and from school will continue to be a challenge due to various issues

2007 Funding Sources:  Minneapolis Public Schools, United Way and other general contributors

2007 Budget: $1,061,610

If you are interested in the program, please call (612) 287-1290.

Program Goal:

Students who have dropped out or have been unable to cope in a traditional high school setting will graduate and go on to further education or training.

Results in 2006:

• 148 students enrolled for a semester or more earned the appropriate number of semester credits
• 12 students successfully graduated from the program

2006 Highlights:

• Continued use of technology in classrooms
• Continued emphasis on teacher facilitated, student directed learning which engages more students in the learning process

Anticipated Outcomes for 2007:

• 105 students enrolled for a semester or more will earn the appropriate number of semester credits
• 21 students within a year of graduation will complete coursework and graduate in 2007
• Graduation rate will increase by 10%
• Number of students who attend less than 84% of classes will decrease by 10%
• Annual pre and post-testing data will be used to develop individual student improvement rates
• ULAHS will achieve Adequate Yearly Progress on the Minneapolis Public Schools report card

Anticipated Barriers to Success in 2007:

• Lack of mental health services available to many of our students who could benefit from one-on-one or group interaction with therapists
• Lack of options for students in regards to ‘softskills’ acquisition, which could increase self-esteem among some students and help others with the skills they need to secure employment and support their families

If you are interested in the program, please call (612) 874-9667.