Program areas at St Paul Youth Services
Behavior intervention program this program delivers on-site support for middle and high school students exhibiting adolescent behaviors that benefit from redirection, de-escalation strategies, and restorative practices, and targeted professional development for educators and school administrators. This proven model has demonstrated impact in improved classroom management, improved student performance and attendance, and reduction of suspensions. In 2023 bip specialists supported 128 students and their families on their caseload and provided support to 4,975 non-caseload students.
Pre-charge diversion this restorative justice program offers an alternative to court for a range of first-time offenses, including shoplifting, property damage, and curfew violations, helping young people avoid repeat mistakes and stay out of the criminal justice system. Spys enrolled 24 Youth in the program in 2023 and expanded community outreach and education among youth-serving organizations to raise awareness of the program and reach more Youth with support before they encounter the justice system.
Youthpowermn leadership institute this program partners with black Youth to influence public policy, create space for Youth organizing, and create tools and strategies to help policy makers vet their policies for equitable impact on Youth. In addition, the program offers a career readiness initiative in which Youth explore possible future career opportunities and entrepreneurship opportunities in partnership with local businesses. In 2023 spys partnered with 32 black Youth leaders in this program.
Thought leadership, workshops, and training this program develops practices, creates tools, and shares resources across the state, the country, and the world with individuals, businesses, and organizations who work with Youth developmental and/or within systems where Youth (and their families) face barriers to offer practical strategies to be more effective. Spys also hosts the rewriting the rules podcast, which interviews community and business leaders, Youth champions, and other radicals whose work builds on the power and genius fundamental to black communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color.