Success Skills Program
In August of 2006, panel members of Lincoln County Teen Court identified gaps in the educational classes/programs available as sanctions to youthful offenders that come toLincoln County Teen Court. This issue had come about after classes previously offered were discontinued due to the turn over of positions. UW-Extension Staff brought this to the attention of the Lincoln County Teen Court Steering Committee and Lincoln County Social Services. The Steering Committee agreed that this was an issue and the Lincoln County Social Services Juvenile Intake Workers agreed that they also saw the same issue. These individuals identified decision making, communication, anger and conflict management, planning for the future as gaps in life skills education inLincolnCounty. During this training, young people participated in experiential learning activities to teach them about parent and teen communication, decision making, peer pressure, stress, anger and conflict management, assertiveness training, behavior issues, bulling of reacting and job readiness. Participants were ensured confidentiality and encouraged to discuss anything they were comfortable talking about.
In 2011, the 8 hour program was conducted in a variety of way to meet the needs and schedule of the young people. 16 youth referred by Lincoln County Social Services, the Merrill Municipal Court and Teen Court successful completed the program in 2011. Youth were asked to fill out an anonymous survey at the completion of the program.
- 30% indicated that their knowledge of how to live healthy was well or very well prior to their participation in the program, 92% reported that their knowledge was well or very after the program.
- 40% rated their communication skills as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 92% after the program.
- 30% rated their decision making skills as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 70% after the program.
- 30% rated their ability to evaluate risk as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 85% after the program.
- 30% rated their knowledge about the effects of media on health choices as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 92% after the program.
- 30% rated their knowledge of managing stress, anger, and other emotions in a healthy way as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 77% after the program.
- 20% rated their knowledge on how to plan for their future as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 88% after the program.
- 12% rated their overall skill level as well or very well prior to their participation in the program had increased to 92% after the program.
- When asked how they plan to use the information from the program, some youth indicated specific examples (29% – use good communication skills, to get into college), most 71% indicated overall improved life (every day in almost everything I do in life, to be a better person, to make smarter and healthier decisions, use in everyday life).
- One youth commented said “I am glad for taking this class. I know it will help me in the future.”
To attend the progeram, contact Amanda at 715-539-1080 or akostman@co.lincoln.wi.us
