State juvenile services presenters describe Title II-funded programs to help at-risk youth

Presenters at the Dec. 13 Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board meeting described two Title II‑supported initiatives aimed at helping at‑risk youth transition to education or employment and avoid juvenile justice involvement.

Andrea Brown, Career Counselor with Jewish Family Career Services, presented the LAUNCH program, which she said "is designed to prepare students (Aged 16-24) to transition into adulthood, either through post-secondary education or employment." Brown reported that in two years JFCS served 156 LAUNCH clients, 17 of whom were Title II clients. Program components include self‑advocacy, career exploration, on‑the‑job experience, job readiness, postsecondary supports, soft‑skills training and financial empowerment. Brown told the board the program faces persistent barriers including transportation, scheduling, access to technology and privacy concerns.

Dr. Cicely Cottrell of Spalding University described SKARS, a culturally focused diversion program intended to prevent adolescent Black girls from entering the juvenile justice system. SKARS began services in April 2024 and initially planned to train 25 student mentors; Cottrell said nine mentors were able to commit though 35–40 students attended an interest meeting. After an anticipated partner could not commit, the program partnered with Minor Daniels Academy and, with Title II funds extended to May 31, 2025, reallocated resources to a group model. Cottrell described an 8‑week mental health art curriculum that will begin in January and said none of the program participants were detained.

Board members and staff noted these presentations as part of the JJAB’s oversight of Title II programming and grant-funded services for youth.