An anti-gang program implemented in 1990 for at-risk youths. Efforts are focused on two target groups:
Young children (age's 10-17 years) peripherally affiliated with gangs, including those who may be influenced by older sibling gang members
Parents or guardians of these at-risk children who may be unaware of the juvenile's pre-delinquent/delinquent gang association
Many families are referred to local community family counseling services. Other programs include boxing, wrestling, track, and martial arts.
Learn more about the Jeopardy Program>
THE LAPD YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM (Y.A.P.)
This is one of the Department's primary diversion program for at-risk youth. The program is available to first and second time juvenile offenders who:
Have not committed a serious crime against a person
Are not gang members
Are not on probation
Are Los Angeles residents
YAP offers qualified young people the opportunity to attend counseling as an alternative to being processed through the juvenile justice system. A small percentage of the juveniles who are referred to YAP fail to complete the counseling program. Petitions are then filed on the individuals for their original charge(s).
Learn more about Y.A.P.>
LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER PROGRAM
A project whereby young people 14 to 20 years of age enhance their citizenship skills, serve the community, and work hand-in-hand with local police to learn about law enforcement. New members attend the Los Angeles Police Academy in Ahmanson Recruit Training Center. The primary purpose of the program is to teach responsibility, discipline, and build character while, at the same time involving young people in various community events. The Explorer program has been extremely successful for LAPD.
Learn more about the Explorer Program>
DEPUTY AUXILIARY POLICE (D.A.P.)
A program for children 9 to 13 years of age which enables them to learn good citizenship skills, become involved in the community, and experience educational field trips. DAP also uses volunteer parents to assist police officers with year-round programs. Children participate in field trips, safety classes, holiday events, and other activities, which focuses their time and attention in a constructive and positive manner, preventing them from becoming a part of fringe gang groups or actual criminal or gang involvement.
Learn more about D.A.P.>
DEVIL PUPS
This program focuses on development of good character through teamwork. It aids non-delinquent teenage boys and girls, ages 14 to 17, in becoming healthier, more successful young community members. Training is conducted at the Marine Corps Base camp. The Youth Programs Unit, Juvenile Division, selects candidates. For more information, contact:
Juvenile Program Unit, Office of Operations
150 North Los Angeles Street, Room 120
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-485-3133 JUVENILE IMPACT PROGRAM
This program is for first-time offenders referred by the courts. The program requires the juvenile to admit to their offense and the impact the crime caused.
Learn more about the Juvenile Impact Program>
SAFE RETURN TO SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Department, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Unified School District, has developed this program whereby police and school officials' work closely together in order to create and maintain a relationship that will ensure a safe school environment for the children of Los Angeles. Under this program, specific enforcement efforts are directed at problem locations so that children may learn in a safe and peaceful environment.
DEVONSHIRE AREA YOUTH CENTER
The Devonshire Area Youth Center is a program that is open to all community youth; however, it is primarily utilized by at-risk youth. The Center is located at Devonshire Area's sub-station. Activities for the children include field trips to Magic Mountain and museums, a drill team, and karate classes every Tuesday night. A computer lab, video games, and basketball court are available for the children to use at the Center. Forty to seventy children may participate in activities at the Center on any given day. For more information, contact: LAPD Devonshire Area Community Relations Office 10250 Etiwanda Ave.
Northridge, CA 91325
818-756-8270
Devonshire Area PALS Youth Center 9150 Sepulveda Blvd.
West Hills, CA 91307
818-756-7752
L.A. BRIDGES
The L.A. Bridges is primarily a gang prevention and intervention service. The program expands opportunities for young people, families, and the community by collaborating with the LAUSD, the LAPD, the community Development Department, the City Attorneys' Office, community-based organizations, and the Mayor's Office
Learn more about L.A. Bridges>
L.A. CITY ATTORNEY PARENTING PROGRAM
The City Attorney Parenting Program assists at-risk young people by working with their parents, guardians, and other primary caregivers to strengthen the family unit. Referrals are made to the City Attorney and the program is for parents who are lacking or weak in parenting skills. Many referrals are through the LAPD's Youth Advocacy Program. A YAP referral means that the adult may be failing in their legal responsibilities; they are given the choice of either successfully completing a parent-education class - or facing a possible criminal complaint.
For more information about this program you should contact your local juvenile detectives, or you may contact:
Director, Hearings Program City Attorney Parenting Program
312 S. Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-485-6681
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