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Youth Development Commission one of United Way partners
Editor’s note: This is another in a series of features focusing on the 12 partner agencies of the Putnam County United Way.
The Putnam County Youth Development Commission remains dedicated to serving the Putnam County community through advocacy for abused and neglected children, diverting youth from the juvenile justice system, educating the community about our most at-risk children, and ensuring issues relating to youth advocacy receive maximum attention by Indiana legislators and the stakeholder community.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) CASA volunteers continue to advocate for children determined by the court system to be CHINS (Children in Need of Services). In 2015 it reached a new high – 141 new case referrals. In 2016 it has already reached 151 and is on track to potentially reach 200 new CASA cases.
Most recently a part-time CASA volunteer coordinator was hired to help with training and service for the many cases that remain on a waiting list. A new CASA training is well under way. Unfortunately, only 60 percent of the families are currently being served, but with the new training class soon to finish, that number should hopefully decline. At least 80 percent of the cases are a direct result of substance abuse.
Coats for Kids – More than 500 coats, hats and mittens are distributed to families all across Putnam County annually. The 17th annual event was held Oct. 29 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. The community continues to support this annual event. This outreach meets a tremendous need all across the area.
Choices Program – This program is designed to educate youth, while promoting an understanding of laws relating to juveniles and to encourage productive behavior and good choices. Each year more than 500 fifth-grade students are invited to visit a morning session of juvenile court proceedings in Putnam County Juvenile Court. After 10 years this program continues to be productive and very promising. Youth gain knowledge of the legal system along with understanding consequences for one’s actions. This last year saw the program reach out to Eminence fifth-graders. School administrators are delighted for the opportunity in educating their students about laws and the importance of making wise decisions. This program is a collaboration between the Juvenile Justice System, PC Prosecutor’s Office, PC Juvenile Probation and the PC Youth Development Commission.
National Night Out – Yearly, the Youth Development Commission coordinates this annual event with more than 1,300 community members in attendance. More than 40 community agencies participate and provide an evening of information, food and fun for families with children in elementary through middle school. While having fun we also reinforce the importance of making good choices and staying away from drugs. The ultimate goal continues to provide families with resources to keep their children away from drugs and juvenile delinquency.
Puppet Power – a community collaboration between the PIE (Prevention, Intervention and Education) Coalition, Mental Health America PC and the PC Youth Development Commission. We collectively secure student volunteers from the PIE Coalition monthly breakfast to participate in Puppet Power presentations during Red Ribbon Week for all third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classes. More than 900 elementary students have the opportunity to experience this program, while learning the importance of committing to a drug free lifestyle.
Teen Court – a diversionary program for first-time offenders between ages 8 and 17. The mission is to provide an opportunity for youth to serve the community and themselves through the practice of citizenship, responsibility, integrity, accountability and empathy. In the last nine years we have served more than 300 youth and heard more than 110 cases of local juvenile crime. Data confirms this program is a benefit to the community.
Almost 3,500 community members annually are touched by Youth Development Commission programs and sponsored events.
“We’re honored and humbled that the United Way of Putnam County continues to believe in our mission and programs, without their financial support our commitment to making a difference would not be possible.,” Executive Director Linda Merkel said.