Global Youth Services - Program Description

GYS was founded in May of 2004 to deliver quality, gender-specific services to female youth adjudicated delinquent and committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Our primary focus is to operate residential programs with the highest quality and treatment given to the youth entrusted to our care and custody. GYS provides residential programming at New Beginnings Youth Academy, a 20-bed moderate risk residential substance abuse program, located in Bowling Green, Florida; Price Halfway House for Girls, a 28-bed moderate-risk residential program for adolescent females with mental health disorders and related maladaptive behaviors; and Peace River Youth Academy, a 30-bed low risk residential program that provides treatment for males from the ages 15-18 with mental health disorders and related maladaptive behaviors.

GYS recognizes that girls and boys in the juvenile justice system share some issues, but also have some distinct needs and concerns. Research has found that girls' risks for delinquency are amplified by the presence of sexual and/or physical abuse, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, poor academic performance, and mental health needs. To strengthen their resistance against delinquency, girls need physical and emotional security, positive female role models, and a sense of belonging and competency that may be different from what boys need. It is with this in mind that GYS provides their comprehensive treatment environment to all youth committed to our programs. In addition, programming is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, and the “What Works Initiative”. The importance of victim awareness and empathy of their victims is also stressed during residential commitment. Finally, all treatment provided at our facilities emphasizes treatment modalities designed to address delinquent, anti-social, and criminal thinking and behaviors including, but not limited to, anger resolution, social skills training, pre-vocational and vocational training, and life skills training.

Presently, GYS is an enrolled community mental health provider for Medicaid, providing Behavioral Health Overlay Services (BHOS) at New Beginnings Youth Academy, Price Halfway House for Girls, and Peace River Youth Academy.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

GYS utilizes an evidence-based behavior management system (BMS) that is responsive to the unique characteristics of the youth. The BMS serves as a learning tool for youth while providing them with on-going feedback regarding their behavior in the program. Administrative management provides oversight of the BMS. Built into the BMS are a variety of rewards/incentives designed to encourage youth to meet expectations for appropriate behavior, improve the choices that youth make while committed to the program, and encourage youth to fully participate in programming in order to successfully complete their commitment.

Youth committed to GYS progress through four (4) different levels, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior, spending approximately 45 days on each level. The Level System defines specific learning objectives which address changes in delinquent thinking and behavior patterns. In order to earn promotions up the Level System, youth must demonstrate new skills, knowledge and behavior through group discussion, written assignments, appropriate behavior, participation in all aspects of programming (school, group therapy, individual therapy, etc.) and personal interactions with peers and staff. Progressing up the Level System also allows the youth to earn increasing privileges. The youth’s assigned Treatment Team votes on whether or not to promote the youth to the next level in the program.