Mobile County Juvenile Court Judge Edmond Naman is bringing a major new program to Mobile in his efforts to wage war against juvenile crime and provide positive and cost effective alternatives to detention. The non-profit program is called “YAP” standing for Youth Advocate Program.
Judge Naman will focus on the first precinct and the Dauphin Island Parkway area for the piloting of the “YAP” program.
The purpose of the program will provide youth who are involved in the juvenile court system of Mobile County the opportunity to contribute and be valued as assets in the community while allowing safe, proven and effective economical alternatives to institutional placement.
The “YAP” program will also employ paid advocates; who will not consist of law enforcement or probation staff, but concerned members of the community who have the ability to care for the youth, making sure that all probation requirements are met.
It's not up to adults and police to do something about youth violence. Adult solutions won't work by themselves. Youth can - and should - do something. If you want to start seeing changes in your school or where you live, here are some things that you should do:
be aware there is a problem.
recognize that violence affects everyone - anyone can be a victim.
talk about violence with your friends and family - take a stand.
don' t react to violence with more violence.
get together - find ways to help stop violence in your school or where you live before it happens.
if there's a youth council, get involved - help promote positive alternatives to youth and gang violence where you live.
call or write your local media - let them know the positive alternatives to youth and gang violence where you live.
learn the truth about violence in your community - don't let rumors run your life.
remember that violent teens are a minority - don't let their actions speak for all youth.
About Strickland
The philosophy of the Strickland youth Center is that helping a troubled youth requires the active participation of the Childs entire family. Consistent with this philosophy, all treatment programs operated by the Center are designed to include the child’s family.
The total annual operating budget for the Strickland Youth Center is approximately 6.5 million dollars. It is funded by Mobile County, the City of Mobile, the Department of Youth Services and various grants the State of Alabama.
Judge Naman
"We are fighting for
the hearts and souls
of our children.
It's a fight that only
can be won by
community collaborations
and fresh and
innovative approaches
to building and
strengthening our
families"
