Evidence-based Mentoring/Diversion Services for Youth At-risk of Involvement with the Juvenile Justice System

Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring (ISIM) proposes to implement the evidence-based One Circle Foundation (The Council and Girls Circle) and Positive Action programs to youth between the ages of 9 and 17 to support equitable diversion of youth involved with the juvenile justice system in Clark County, Nevada. One-on-one mentoring with relatable adults that have similar lived experience is deeply embedded into the program. The purpose of this program is to keep youth in their homes, schools, and communities while providing the skills necessary to increase school attendance, enhance academic performance, and reduce further delinquent behavior. Through direct collaboration with the Eighth Judicial District Court: Clark County Diversion Program and The Harbor Assessment Center, youth are referred to ISIM for screening, mentoring, diversion programming, and family support. Referred youth and their families are screened using the Youth Assessment & Screening Instrument as an initial assessment that supports the creation of individualized case management plans and resources. Youth attend a 12-week mentoring and diversion program while parents/guardians participate in evidence-based parenting classes and parent support groups led by licensed professionals. Funding from this program will allow Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring to serve a minimum of 120 and a maximum of 240 more youth per year.