Project BUILD
Mission
Project BUILD is a multi-disciplinary gang prevention and intervention program that provides coordinated case management and services to youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 21 who are at high risk of gang involvement. Project BUILD’s street outreach workers work one-on-one with young people to model pro-social behavior, provide behavior coaching, support positive decision-making, encourage education and employment success, and support involvement in pro-social activities. Services for Project BUILD clients are coordinated by a team of professionals representing education, social services, mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice agencies.
Services Provided
- Every participant in the program has an assigned outreach worker. This intervention specialist/outreach worker will meet with the participant 2-3 times per week to provide support and behavioral coaching. These visits may be conducted at home, school, or at community activities.
- Project BUILD personnel will also make regular contact with parents of minors to share information about issues related to the child, available services and activities and assist with problems.
- Project BUILD personnel help families access appropriate services, including educational, criminal justice, social services, and employment.
- Project BUILD provides weekly group sessions weekly. These group sessions are focused on developing improved social, thinking, and life skills. Youth learn about a variety of topics, from learning to cook, science/technology and getting/keeping a job and working through life issues.
- Project BUILD also offers special activities during school breaks and holidays. These activities are not mandatory, and participation is based upon displaying appropriate behavior and following program rules.
- In the case of demonstrated hardship, Project BUILD personnel may be able to provide transportation so youth can participate in group sessions and other activities. However, transportation cannot be provided without a transportation authorization signed by the parent/guardian.
- Project BUILD is an open entry/open exit program. This means we will start working with you as soon as you consent for us to provide services. The minimum length of services for satisfactory completion for the juvenile or adult court is 16 weeks for 24 hours of direct services. However, participants can stay in the program for longer periods of time based on need and desire.
- Project BUILD is a no-fee program. Our activities do not cost money. We are not a Medicaid-based program, so having your child participate in Project BUILD will not conflict with any Medicaid-based services. If you are receiving mental health services, we will coordinate with those services if possible.