Camden is plagued by a host of negative social, economic and environmental factors including youth crime and violence. Camden County has consistently had some of the highest rates of juvenile arrests in New Jersey, with many juvenile offenses concentrated in the city of Camden . Youth involved with the juvenile justice system represent a growing need in the United States as those who become involv
ed with juvenile justice generally have poor transition outcomes related to reintegration, education, employment and recidivism. Youth who wish to disentangle themselves from the justice system and achieve positive outcomes must receive support from their communities, their families and various sectors such as juvenile justice, education, workforce development and behavioral health. FF2 seeks to integrate these supports in a program that applies evidence-based practices in a community-based program model. VOA/DV’s Face Forward 2 (FF2) program will combine juvenile justice and social support services with education and workforce development and training to address the needs of court involved youth in Camden County. FF2 will help approximately 208 Camden County court-involved youth over a 28 month period achieve educational and employment goals by offering case management, mentoring, educational interventions, service-learning, occupational training and workforce activities that lead to employment. Case managers will function as both advocates and guides for participants as they move through the program and help youth access needed supportive services. Case managers will be highly trained in assessment, evidence-based interventions and in the array of services that are available in the community. Through collaborative partnerships with the Camden County Workforce Investment Board, South Jersey Aftercare, the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Camden County Court Family Division, Rutgers Law School Reentry Clinic, the Camden School District, Camden’s Office of Youth Services, C-Tech, and employers; this comprehensive approach…combined with supportive services… FF2 is prepared and committed to helping court involved youth in Camden County.
