Friday, October 5, 2012

At Risk Youth Programs Provide Needed Interventions

By Juliette Cruz


It has long been recognized that certain children stand more of a chance at failing, academically and in life skills. This has brought about a surge of at risk youth programs. These are sometimes government funded, and sometimes funded by private sectors. Many programs work to help with academic skills. Some are designed to keep kids off the streets after school when there is no adult at home.

For those babies with severe disabilities that can be usually be identified very early on, intervention may start at only a few weeks of age. The intervention is delivered in the infant's own home. These interventions are intended more to help the parent learn how to stimulate their infant than for actual intervention. Physical therapy may be addressed, giving parents help in understanding how to care out the therapy on their own between therapy visits.

At age three, a child can be served by a free preschool intervention program if they qualify. The services are free, and administered by the local school system. There are stringent qualifications, and usually only those children who are severely delayed in either/or physical and cognitive abilities. The intervention is initiated to help the child develop to their fullest potential. Some of these children are able to enter the general education program later, and some require special services throughout their entire school career.

Other groups, such as parent support groups, provide additional services for these children. The focus is on social development for the child and support for the parent. There are often special sports leagues. Holiday activities allow these children to enter into activities such as Easter egg hunts and Christmas activities with children who are more like them in ability. These programs are similar to what non-handicapped children participate in.

Once a child reaches school age, they have access to even more academic interventions. They might qualify for free tutoring. They may get special help from an aide that is hired by funds from special grants. These aides go into the classroom and offer extra assistance. They may briefly pull a child out of the classroom to give more intensive intervention.

After school interventions are also offered at this age level. The activities are usually provided by community organizations who have won grants for funding. They provide such things as after school care, tutors, and homework helpers. Field trips are offered to give the child access to community activities.

Organized sports and special interest clubs are some of the after school activities provided to the older student. They continue to receive tutoring and help with homework. Field trips are provided to expose them to opportunities in the community. Life skills are learned through the provided organized team sports.

At risk youth programs attempt to provide equal opportunities to all children, regardless of ability and opportunity. Schools, governments, private agencies, and community volunteers all are essential in the attempt to provide these opportunities. Socioeconomic status often makes it difficult to provide necessary opportunities to prevent the poverty cycle from continuing. These special interventions can provide these necessary opportunities, at least in part.




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