Turnabout is an intensive, multi-purpose program for at-risk youth. It has been successful in reducing out-of-home placement, improving school performance and reducing delinquency. The goal of Turnabout is to develop plans to turn things around at home and at school and to prevent further involvement in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. This is accomplished by providing a range of services including homework assistance, peer support/cross-age mentoring, supervision, recreation, group counseling, crisis intervention, individual counseling and parental support. The program is a “middle ground” between routine probation and more extreme options such as out-of-home placement. When referrals are made in a timely manner, Turnabout provides the opportunity to turn things around before more restrictive and more expensive programming is required. Turnabout is an alternative service, and it is voluntary. Turnabout staff includes a social worker, a licensed teacher, and peer youth workers and college-age mentors. Turnabout has a capacity of 12-15 students, primarily middle school students grades 6-10. Most students participate in the program a minimum of 9 weeks and many are involved for a semester. Turnabout will be open Monday through Friday after school until 6:00pm. Less than daily attendance can be negotiated to accommodate employment, school activities or other programming.
Bismarck Turnabout: Located at Youthworks’ Youth Activity Center, 217 W. Rosser Avenue, Bismarck, ND
Contact Persons:
Bismarck:
Annie Raatz, 701-255-6909 ext. 107, araatz_yworks@midconetwork.com
Lauren Bosch, Teacher, 701-255-6909 ext. 104, bosch_yworks@midconetwork.com
Rachel Johnson, Licensed Social Worker, 701-255-6909, RAJ22882007@hotmail.com