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Programs
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The Sheriff's Youth Foundation (SYF) was created in 1985 based upon the belief that crime prevention programs focused on youth are the key to developing safer communities. Through its programs, the Foundation works with young people throughout Los Angeles County to provide them with tools for life success, and empowers them to utilize these tools while also having some fun. The programs exist to offer Los Angeles County youth a safe, supportive haven where they can interact with positive role models, including law enforcement officers, and receive life guidance, factual information, educational tutoring, as well as participate in after-school and esteem building activities. The Sheriff’s Youth Foundation collaborates with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, public school districts including individual school, community groups, corporations, businesses, foundations and interested individuals. The Sheriff’s Department provides Deputy Sheriff's to mentor the youth and coordinate, operate, and staff the programs.
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Youth Activity Leagues (YAL)
This program provides educational tutoring, computer training, cultural field trips, sports activities, and character building activities for at-risk children ages 8 – 17. These children, some for the very first time, enjoy a positive relationship with law enforcement. This afterschool program offers a safe environment for young people during the hours of the day when most juvenile crime is committed (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.). Activities and programs offered are, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Overnight Camping, Libraries, Academic Tutoring, Track, Boxing, Martial Arts, Volleyball, Soap Box Derby, Dancing, Computer Labs, Cultural Trips, Tennis and Fencing and will vary by location. Presently there are 16 Youth Activities Leagues throughout Los Angeles County.
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Success Through Awareness and Resistance (STAR)
This program provides drug, gang, and violence prevention education to students throughout Los Angeles County. The deputies assigned to the STAR Unit work with 202 schools in 30 school districts, teaching more than 46,000 students on a monthly basis. The United States Department of Education’s Principles of Effectiveness, and the “No Child Left Behind Act”, require that schools provide scientifically based programs that have been proven to be effective in preventing tobacco use, alcohol use, other drug use, and violence. Deputies assigned to the STAR Unit provide such lessons from research validated, exemplary, or model programs, as identified by five different agencies. The curricula most widely used are Too Good for Drugs, Too Good for Violence and Project ALERT. |
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Vital Intervention Directional Alternative (VIDA)
This program is specifically designed for at-risk youth who have demonstrated behavior that appear to be leading them to serious consequences for their future. VIDA utilizes pro-active and innovative techniques leading to positive redirection for these young people. It is a 16-week program overseen by deputy personnel and community volunteers, and offers several specific methods designed to alter negative behavior, and direct these young people away from the criminal element. The program’s focus is to instill, in every participant, the courage and ability to make the choices necessary for a successful and prosperous future. VIDA also provides a family guidance component to the training by offering parenting classes, family counseling, and youth counseling. |
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Sheriffs Teaching At Risk Teens (START)
This program is specifically designed to educate at risk youth regarding the consequences of their choices. The program encourages positive decision making while making the participants aware of the potential consequences of their choices by promoting individual responsibility and leadership. The Men’s Central Jail Unit facilitates this program. It offers young people in the youth programs of the LA County Sheriff’s Department an opportunity to tour the jail system, where they will interact with deputies and inmates. They will hear the testimony of inmates, and experience what it is like for them to be an inmate. These young people will be encouraged to use the experience as a viable alternative to drug and gang involvement.
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Bicycle Education and Registration (BEAR)
This program is a one (1) day a week, five (5) week program in which Deputies teach young people, who do not have bicycles of their own, basic bicycle repair and restoration and advanced safety skills. The BEAR program recycles bicycles that have been donated or confiscated by the Sheriff’s Department. Youth who pass the program’s curriculum requirements are rewarded with the safety equipment and bicycle they worked on during the five-week program.
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Youth Activities League Locations
Altadena
Avalon
Century – Los Angeles
Compton
City of Industry
East Los Angeles
Lakewood – Hawaiian Gardens
Marina Del Rey
Norwalk – South Whittier
Palmdale
Pico Rivera
Santa Clarita
South Los Angeles - Inglewood
Temple City – Duarte
Walnut
West Hollywood
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VIDA Locations
Century
East Los Angeles
Fremont
Lakewood
Lancaster
Lennox
Palmdale
Santa Clarita
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