OPTIONS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County’s Options Program proudly supports youth referred through Bucks County Juvenile Probation, Youth Aid Panels, and Children and Youth. Building on our Community Based mentoring program model, each referred Client meets with an assigned professional Case Manager for individual or group meetings in the community, home, or school. Meetings are goal-oriented, individualized to the needs of Clients ages 7-17, and reflected in examples below.

Juvenile Court Clients

· Meet weekly for six months with their Options Case Managers for 78 hours of professional and evidence-based mentoring services

· Give back to their communities and fulfill service hours by cooking meals for the homebound, visiting seniors in assisted living facilities, spreading cheer to families impacted by cancer, and more!

· Develop strategies to reach their full potential in their attitudes, behaviors, and peer relationships through guidance from Options Case Managers and behavioral contract reinforcement

· Explore local employment and acquire invaluable job application and interview skills

· Discover new and local positive activities and role models!

Children and Youth Clients

· Meet twice monthly with Options Case Managers for mentoring activities like sports, laser tag, arts and crafts, museum visits, dinners out, and nature hikes!

· Secure ongoing support for self-improvement with self-esteem, healthy peer and family relationships, and other areas of personal growth

· Gain another non-judgmental resource that will listen and advocate for their best interests

· Become inspired from guest speakers and Career Day professionals

· Are empowered to make positive decisions with their future

Youth Aid Panel Clients

· Meet twice monthly for six months with Options Case Managers for intentional mentoring and case management

· Reflect on how their decisions affect themselves and others

· Strive to be their best selves through completion of apology letters, worksheets, essays, and community service with their Options Case Managers

· Are instilled a desire to learn new concepts and ideas through workshops, presentations, and group discussion

· Expand their hobbies and interests through new mentoring activities that build on their interests and strengths!

Youth Aid Panel Clients and all referred Clients may also meet with the agency’s licensed psychologist for a clinical assessment when appropriate. Clients’ parents or guardians are provided with mental health recommendations and referrals in network with their health insurance plans.

Further information on the Youth Aid Panel and Options Program Outcomes are found in the links below.

Our Options Program is excited to partner with K/S Consultants to help pilot a Youth Justice Advisory Board in Bucks County.

The Board will provide an opportunity for youth currently or previously receiving services through Bucks County JPO, Youth Aid Panels, or District Court to share their experiences and offer ideas for systems improvement.

 

Interested youth may learn more and apply HERE!

When a juvenile commits a criminal offense for the first time, the arresting police officer has two options:  The juvenile offender can be formally charged and referred to court, or the juvenile can be referred to the police department’s youth aid panel. 

That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County steps in.

Contact Us

phone contact

(215) 343-8260 x 111

email contact

bigbros@bbbsbc.org