Expansion of ENOUGH. services to Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota Counties to support girls involved in the juvenile justice system

The YMCA of the North (YMCA) will partner with the Departments of Corrections in urban Minnesota counties, Hennepin, Anoka, and Ramsey, to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors for girls who come in contact with the juvenile justice system, and place them on a path toward success, stability, and long term contribution to society while offering them opportunities to heal.

The program will serve 75 female-identified youth aged 17 or younger (girls) mainly referred through juvenile justice partners in urban counties (Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington) over a 36-month program period. All girls are expected to be high-risk and disconnected, with a history of victimization and trauma. Most will have histories of contact with both the juvenile justice and foster care systems. They will have been arrested or referred for intake to a juvenile justice agency that handles juvenile crime, delinquency, and youth in need of guidance, treatment, or rehabilitation due to problematic behavior. ENOUGH. will be used as a deferment strategy to hopefully prevent detainment and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system.

ENOUGH. services are gender-specific, and evidence-based. The program provides comprehensive, holistic services, ongoing, 1:1 case management, and group interventions using best-practice engagement techniques and strategies for best serving the target population. Services will be girl-centered, gender-responsive, culturally relevant, and self-paced. Key programming includes prevention, early intervention, support services, life coaching, enhanced re-entry strategies, training for professionals, and much more.