Mobile has been chosen as one of two cities for the Healthy Teen Network Project funded by Johnson and Johnson. The Healthy Teen Network (The only national organization that addresses all adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues.) developed a program with the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for the purpose of highlighting 4 evidence-based programs. In 2008, Healthy Teen Network chose as partners the Baltimore City Health Department and the Georgia Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy for the purpose of identifying key players and developing an action plan to implement evidence based programs in those cities. The current plan is to replicate the 2008 project in two states. For 2009, again with funding from Johnson and Johnson, Healthy Teen Network chose Mobile, Alabama as one of its next 2 sites. Mobile was chosen because Healthy Teen Network is interested in organizations that have already been working toward the implementation of an integrated science-based program.
Representatives from the Healthy Teen Network came to Mobile to introduce the program and action plan to approximately 25 individuals. Three Juvenile Probation Officers attended the training at 5 RIVERS DELTA CENTER. Attending were Adam Cannedy, Kelly Lemaster, and Ann Blaize.
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"
