Purpose

To use a diversified strength-based approach to assist/provide educational enrichment and to build self-esteem, teamwork, and commitment for youth with suspended commitment, while protecting the public safety.

Goals & Objectives 

• Provide positive educational opportunities for detained youth
• Increase the number of residents who take the GED
• Increase exposure of youth in the center to area programs that may assist them
• Boost the self-esteem of youth by allowing them to experience success
• Allow no escapes from Secure Detention
• On an on-going basis, develop programs which will provide positive exposure for youth
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling
• Help residents transition back to society as productive individuals
• Provide college and job placement after completion of GED and Chrysalis Program
• Teach trade and business skills through horticultual training and the use of the Chrysalis Greenhouse
• Provide aftercare through the National Counseling Group

Duration of Program

Length of stay in the Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program is determined by the committing judicial authority. The average length of stay in the Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program is four (4) to six (6) months.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants for the Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and cannot have been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in the last 18 months.  They cannot have been previously or currently adjudicated of a violent juvenile felony or found guilty of a violent juvenile felony.  Participants must have no significant mental history of psychosis.

Referral Sources

A juvenile may be referred to the Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program by a probation officer.  The program coordinator reviews the case to ensure that the participant meets the eligibility requirements.  A judge must render final approval in order for a juvenile to be placed in the program.

Benefits to Participants

• Medical attention, which includes physical exams, transportation to previously scheduled medical appointments
• Three nutritious meals and a snack provided each day that meet national standards
• An educational program provided by the Newport News Public School System
• Religious services are offered on a weekly basis.
• Ability to obtain employment and career opportunities
• Life skills and anger management training
• GED training
• Access to participate in culturally diverse outings
• Counseling provided to participants and/or family

Disposition

The Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program operates with post-dispositional youth.

Operations

The program operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. School is in session 5 ½ hours per day, Monday through Friday during the traditional school year. Evening activities include visitations, religious services, physical recreation, group sessions, and counseling sessions.

Unique/Innovative Aspects

The Post-Dispositional Chrysalis Program partners with many community agencies in order to provide participants with a diverse and positive experience.  In 2006, the program received a greenhouse so that participants could grow and sell various flowers, herbs, and plants.  The program also has the benefit of a music teacher and the program's "Melody Makers" perform at various department and community functions.  Participants are also able to earn home passes, allowing them to begin to rebuild positive connections in their homes and community.